Last month, Ararat Rural City Council released its 2025/2026 Draft Budget, detailing an ongoing commitment to renewing the community's assets through a $12,437,000 investment in its Capital Works Program.
As set out in Council's Draft Budget 2025/2026, a further $1 million has been allocated for the upgrade of Buangor - Ben Nevis Road, in addition to the previously committed $2.143 million.
Proposed renewal works to this essential link between the Pyrenees and Western Highways aims to reduce heavy vehicle traffic through Ararat, alleviating the impact on local roads and improving road user safety and transport efficiency.
Section of Buangor-Ben Nevis Road, at both the Warrak township end and at the Western Highway end, will be reconstructed including widening the road seal, excavating and removal of existing pavement, new road base course layers, drainage works, sealing, line marking, safety barriers and associated signage.
Other key elements of Council's Capital Works Program proposed in its 2025/2026 Draft Budget include:
Capital Works Program:
- $2.32 million - Road Reconstruction Program
- $1.8 million - Gravel Road Re-sheeting
- $1.49 million - Covered Sports Arena for Ararat Pony Club
- $1 million - Buangor-Ben Nevis Road reconstruction
- $1 million - Urban Road and Laneway Sealing
- $1 million - Road Reseals
- $750,000 - Urban Drainage
- $683,000 - Woorndoo-Streatham Road reconstruction
- $550,000 - Community Projects
- $400,000 - Footpaths and Cycleways
- $400,000 - Bridge Renewal Program
- $300,000 - Kerb and Channel Renewal Program
A final draft of the 2025/2026 Budget will be presented to the Council Meeting to be held on 24 June 2025.
"Our residents can be confident that the 2025/26 Draft Budget prioritises their needs through efficient service delivery, responsible financial management, and a significant investment in our infrastructure," says Ararat Rural City Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong.
"This approach ensures the continued delivery of high-quality services and the completion of important projects for the long-term benefit of our community."
