Ararat Rural City Council has developed a detailed plan for its 2025/2026 Capital Works Program, targeting several crucial infrastructure projects across the municipality.
Council will invest $12.4 million in the program through the forthcoming budget, which will support routine operations including community building projects, new plant and machinery, updated computer equipment, and replenishment of books for the Ararat Library.
Other key components of the program include a range of infrastructure improvements such as road upgrades, bridge works, footpath connections, and drainage improvement works.
The program also includes several important projects supported by additional funding, such as a new covered sports arena for the Ararat Pony Club, Council's $133,000 contribution to the Ararat Active Transport Bicycle Network, and a further $1 million for continued upgrade works to Buangor Ben Nevis Road.
Extensive detailed planning is underway for routine operations, high-value held over projects, and government-funded initiatives. These efforts account for over $30 million in infrastructure works and projects for the upcoming financial year.
"This is a large-scale capital works program, totaling around $35 million. It's safe to say it's the largest we've ever undertaken, by a significant margin," says Ararat Rural City Council CEO, Dr Tim Harrison.
"Crucially, a good portion of this funding comes from external sources. This is a truly impressive achievement for a small rural council like ours, and it really highlights the hard work and dedication of our staff."
