Council Plan Actions Progressing Strongly in First Six Months

Just six months into delivery of the 2025–2029 Council Plan, Ararat Rural City Council is making strong progress on all 53 priority actions set for the four-year term.

Year one (2025–2026) focuses on growing the municipality, strengthening local economies, protecting the environment, delivering enabling infrastructure, enhancing community life and maintaining strong and effective governance.

CEO Dr Tim Harrison said the first six months had laid solid foundations across multiple priority areas.

“We’ve hit the ground running and are progressing all 53 actions in our Council Plan,” Dr Harrison said. “This is about delivering practical outcomes for our community while planning responsibly for the future.”

Key achievements include adoption of the 2025–2035 Asset Plan and the 2025–2029 Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, as well as submitting funding applications under the National Housing Infrastructure Facility and for National Science Week 2026 in partnership with Federation University and community stakeholders.

Council also applied to the Community Energy Upgrades Fund and, while unsuccessful, continues working with community asset committees to explore rooftop solar and renewable energy opportunities.

Efforts to grow community participation at local arts precincts are also delivering results. School group visitation to Ararat Gallery TAMA has increased significantly, while auditorium bookings at the Ararat Town Hall are on the rise.

“It’s encouraging to see more students engaging with TAMA and more community groups making use of the Town Hall,” Dr Harrison said.

Council has also improved internal efficiencies and successfully rolled out the Snap Send Solve app to streamline customer requests.

Click here to read the Council Plan.