Ararat Rural City Council has endorsed its Annual Plan 2026/2027 at Tuesday's meeting, setting out a responsible, future‑focused program of works that balances sound financial management with investment in the community, local economy, and environment.
The Plan outlines targeted actions across six strategic themes, including growing the municipality, strengthening local economies, protecting the environment, maintaining key infrastructure, enhancing community life, and delivering strong governance.
The Plan includes a strong focus on 'growing our place,' with actions to support new housing, attract new residents, and make better use of existing land and infrastructure. Council will continue coordinated planning between housing development and major projects, encourage adaptive reuse of under‑utilised buildings, and work with partners to promote Ararat as a destination for lifestyle movers and remote workers.
Ararat Rural City Council's commitment to driving the development of the ARCC Circular Economy Precinct, focused on agricultural value‑adding and advanced manufacturing, is being backed by tangible progress in the biogas sector, with developer Valorify recently announcing it has secured international investment to support Ararat's $400 million bioenergy project and is targeting first gas production by the end of 2028.
Council will also continue to work with tourism partners to strengthen visitor experiences and grow tourism numbers to the region, evidenced by a recent visit by TV's Livinia Nixon of Postcards to film for upcoming episodes, and new photos and videos of key tourism hot spots around Ararat, Pomonal and other townships.
Council will continue to partner with Landcare to increase tree canopy cover in urban streets, grow our already strong use of recycled materials in Council works, and continue to pursue funding for solar and battery systems on community facilities, such as the recent successful installation of the battery at the Pomonal Community Hall to improve disaster resilience and sustainability.
The Plan puts a real spotlight on volunteering and getting involved in community life, with concrete actions to promote and improve access to local volunteering opportunities. Council knows that wellbeing grows out of friendship, companionship, and a sense of belonging, so we are focused on creating meaningful ways for people to lend a hand, build connections, and enrich their own lives at the same time.
From pre‑schoolers to teenagers, Council is investing in programs that help young people learn, belong, and imagine their futures in Ararat Rural City. Supported Playgroups give our youngest residents hands‑on experiences with local businesses, while youth initiatives such as the YEAH Crew and Crazy Ideas College empower older children and teens to build leadership skills and play an active role in community life.
Chief Executive Officer, Dr Tim Harrison, said the Annual Plan 2026/2027 is about getting the basics right while continuing to move the municipality forward and a financially responsible way. "This Plan is measured and realistic, and it keeps our community firmly at the centre of our decision‑making," Dr Harrison said. "We are strengthening the local economy, investing in the roads, pools, and public spaces people rely on every day, and growing our tree canopy and renewable energy projects so that Ararat Rural City is a greener, more connected place for the next generation".
He added, "By going more digital, opening up more pathways into volunteering, and working with partners right across the region, we are building a Council and a community that can adapt, innovate, and thrive together".
The Annual Plan sits alongside Council's Budget 2026/2027 and Asset Plan 2025-2035, ensuring day‑to‑day services and long‑term projects are planned and funded in a financially responsible way.
