Council Endorses 2025–26 Annual Report Highlighting Strong Financial Position and Infrastructure Investment
Ararat Rural City Council has endorsed its 2025-26 Annual Report at its October Council Meeting, providing an overview of Council’s operations, achievements and financial performance for the year ending 30 June 2026.
The Report shows Council as having maintained a strong financial position during 2025/2026 financial year, remaining debt-free at the conclusion of the financial year. Council has continued to invest in essential infrastructure, community facilities and services while maintaining a focus on financial sustainability and delivering positive outcomes for the community.
Key highlights from the 2025/2026 Annual Report include delivering $15.063 million in capital works, including $13.029 million towards the renewal and upgrade of existing assets, as well as significant investment in road reconstruction and bridge upgrades, including Mount William Road, Webb Street, Buangor-Ben Nevis Road and McCrows Road.
Report figures show Council recording a working capital ratio of 130% and an asset renewal and upgrade ratio of 114%, demonstrating its continued focus to responsible financial management and infrastructure investment. The report also details progress on the Ararat Pony Club covered equestrian arena, improvements to the Ararat Library, redevelopment of Jack and Jill Kindergarten and development of a new dog park at Centenary Park.
The report highlights Council’s ongoing commitment to key priorities, including the progress of its Disability Action Plan to improve local accessibility and inclusion. Council also maintained strong advocacy efforts, securing funding for critical road infrastructure, housing developments, recreational facilities, and community projects while actively consulting residents on major initiatives.
"Our 2025–26 Annual Report shows just how much we’ve been able to achieve for our community while keeping Council on a rock-solid financial footing. Staying completely debt-free means we're putting every dollar to work where it matters most”, said Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Bob Sanders.
“Over the last year, we rolled out more than $15 million in capital works, including upgrading key roads like Mount William Road and Webb Street, while delivering important local projects like the new dog park at Centenary Park, library upgrades, and the brand-new covered arena for the Ararat Pony Club. It’s all about getting the balance right so we can keep delivering better roads, facilities, and services for our community, while making sure we're set up for a strong, sustainable future."
The 2025-26 Annual Report is available to view and download from Council’s website: https://www.ararat.vic.gov.au/annual-reports
