Ararat Rural City Council has secured $100,000 through the Transport Accident Commission's (TAC) Local Government Grant Program to improve safety for workers walking, cycling, or riding scooters to and from the Ararat abattoir.
Council's Vulnerable Workers Pedestrian Safety Project will deliver paving, drainage, lighting, and other safety improvements along the route workers use to reach the Ararat abattoir.
The current lack of footpaths leaves workers walking to and from work exposed to passing vehicles, increasing their risk of being struck by a car.
The project will help address this risk by providing safer infrastructure for workers who walk, cycle, or ride scooters as part of their daily commute.
For employees who travel on foot, by bicycle, or by scooter, these gaps in infrastructure create safety risks on their daily commute. The project will focus on providing a safer journey to and from work.
Ararat Rural City Council Chief Executive Officer Phuong Au said the funding would help Council address a clear local need. "Many workers at the Ararat abattoir walk, cycle, or use scooters for their daily commute, but the lack of footpaths and other safety measures makes that journey more difficult. This project will enable them to travel to and from work safely, whether they drive, walk, or ride." Ms Au said.
"This $100,000 grant will help us deliver practical improvements that better support these workers and reduce the risks they face. We thank the TAC for supporting Council to improve local road safety and make everyday journeys safer for our community."
Council was fortunate to receive endorsement for its application from Ararat Meat Exports, Davidsons Casings and the Hopkins Correctional Centre, all of whom provided letters of support for the project.
"As a major regional employer, we recognise the importance of investing in infrastructure that enables people to travel safely to and from work. This project aligns strongly with that objective and will provide benefits well beyond our own workforce," said Ararat Meat Exports Managing Director, Michael Stapleton.
We are confident the proposed pathways will significantly improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity for workers, residents, and visitors alike, while contributing to the long-term prosperity of the Ararat community."
The project is among council-led road safety initiatives sharing in $3 million through the TAC Local Government Grant Program, with funding supporting pedestrian and cyclist safety across 39 Victorian councils.
