Ararat Rural City Council is stepping up its advocacy efforts ahead of the forthcoming state election, progressing a suite of projects identified in its 2026 Advocacy Priorities. Council is focused on securing funding and policy support to unlock new jobs, support local industry, and deliver infrastructure for communities across the municipality.
The 2026 Advocacy Priorities highlight several major projects and issues requiring government action, including a new indoor multi-sports facility, redevelopment of the A&J McDonald Centre, local roads funding, completion of the East Grampians Rural Water Pipeline Mininera Extension, a renewable gas connection for Valorify, and a north-south heavy vehicle route for the Pyrenees Highway.
CEO Dr Tim Harrison said Council's advocacy work was firmly focused on outcomes that would benefit local people and businesses. "Advocacy is about making sure the needs of our community are clearly on the table when governments decide where they invest," Dr Harrison said. "We have done the work to identify the projects that will create jobs, support local industry, and improve everyday life in Ararat Rural City, and we are now taking that case to ministers, departments, and decision makers."
"Our message is straightforward: if you back these projects, you are backing a stronger regional economy, better services, and fair opportunities for the people who live, work, and invest here."
Key priorities for 2026 include a new indoor multi-sports facility for Ararat, featuring three basketball courts, gymnastics facilities, a squash court, female friendly change rooms, and a first aid room, with Council seeking 12 million dollars in external funding support. Council is also seeking 15 million dollars to redevelop the A&J McDonald Centre in partnership with Grampians Community Health, transforming an underused building into a contemporary community facility with modern infrastructure and full disability access.
Local roads and regional infrastructure remain a significant focus. Council is advocating for 1.5 million dollars to seal urban gravel roads and laneways in Ararat, and 34 million dollars to complete the Mininera Extension of the East Grampians Rural Water Pipeline, supporting rural communities, agricultural production, and climate resilience. Council is also seeking 2 million dollars for a gas grid connection for Valorify so green biogas can be delivered through existing infrastructure, and 5 million dollars for studies and preliminary works for a north-south heavy vehicle route to remove large trucks from the Ararat CBD and improve safety.
You can read a copy of the 2026 Advocacy Priorities via https://www.ararat.vic.gov.au/advocacyor grab a copy from Council Customer Service.
