Ararat Rural City Council is temporarily reducing grading works on rural gravel roads due to low rainfall and limited access to suitable water for road maintenance.
Council uses water in its grading program to bind gravel, manage dust, and ensure a smoother, longer-lasting surface, and the current conditions mean this work cannot proceed as usual. In response, Council's roads team will shift focus to shoulder grading and repairs while conditions remain dry.
Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said the change in program was about adapting to local conditions and making the best use of available resources.
"When water is scarce, we have to adjust the way we work so we can keep our network as safe and accessible as possible," Dr Harrison said. "Our teams will be out on the shoulders and problem spots, addressing issues we can tackle without relying on large volumes of water, and planning ahead so we are ready to ramp up grading as soon as conditions improve. We are asking motorists to take extra care, drive to the conditions, and report any significant safety concerns so we can prioritise repairs where they are most needed."
While full grading is paused, Council is directing crews to shoulder grading and targeted maintenance activities across the municipality, focusing on locations where edge breaks, drainage issues, or localised damage present the greatest risk to road users. The grading program will resume and increase once more water is available, with schedules adjusted to address areas that have experienced the greatest wear during the dry period.
Residents can stay up to date with road maintenance information and other infrastructure updates by subscribing to Council's e-newsletter via Engage Ararat.
