Councillors voted on Tuesday to fund the organisation until 2020 “to support the strategic development initiative of council and work collaboratively for the benefit of the region”.

As part of the endorsement, Horsham council made a provision for a contribution of $199,949 towards the Wimmera Development Association in its 2017-18 budget. 

Planning and economic director Angela Murphy said Wimmera Development Association chairman Kevin Erwin and executive officer Ralph Kenyon had addressed the council earlier this month.

“The Wimmera Development Association, established in 1991, is the Wimmera Southern Mallee peak sustainable development body,” Ms Murphy said.

“The association, through its leadership, has delivered a number of key regional economic development project and initiatives.” 

Contributing councils have seats on the association’s board. 

“These include the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, Wimmera Inter-model Freight Terminal and Wimmera Weather Radar,” Ms Murphy said. 

Cr Les Power said it was fantastic that council would continue its support – not only for Horsham, but the whole of western Victoria.

Cr David Grimble said the group was well recognised by multiple levels of government.

“It’s important that council takes a lead on that as our council is making the lion’s share of the contribution,” he said.

“I have no doubt other municipalities will see the merit in supporting the association.”

Cr Josh Koenig said he had sat on the board and had seen how many projects were on the go.

“They have been instrumental in a number of big initiatives,” he said.

“People who have been through the association’s leadership courses would echo my remarks that they have been hugely valuable.”