Community Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan

Ararat Rural City Council’s Community Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2030 sets a clear direction for making local roads safer for everyone who lives, works, visits and travels through the municipality. Covering a large and diverse network of rural roads, town streets and active transport routes, the plan recognises the particular challenges created by long travel distances, high-speed roads, freight and agricultural traffic, tourism and changing road conditions. It is built around the principle that no death or serious injury on our roads is acceptable.

The strategy has been informed by crash data and community feedback. Between 2020 and 2024, 158 casualty crashes were recorded across the municipality, resulting in five deaths and 83 serious injuries. Run-off-road crashes and intersection collisions are key causes of road trauma, while pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists face increased risk when crashes occur. Community members also identified priorities including safer road surfaces and shoulders, intersection improvements, appropriate speeds in high-activity areas, safer school zones, better walking and cycling connections, and action on wildlife hazards.

Guided by the Safe System approach and Victoria’s Towards Zero vision, the plan outlines practical, measurable actions for the next five years. These include treating high-risk rural roads, addressing roadside hazards and run-off-road risks, improving priority intersections, reviewing speed environments, strengthening safety for people walking, cycling and riding, and working with government agencies, emergency services, schools, businesses and the community. The plan will be monitored and reviewed annually to keep investment focused on the actions that can make the greatest difference to road safety across Ararat Rural City.