Council ticks off big list of resident requests
From road safety and school zones to local facilities and dust suppression, Ararat Rural City Council has resolved or progressed most concerns raised during its December 2025 Community Drop-In Sessions across the municipality.
As part of the adopted Community Engagement Program 2025/26, Council held sessions at Ararat, Buangor, Elmhurst, Lake Bolac, Mininera, Moyston, Pomonal and Willaura. A total of 49 issues were raised by residents, with 43 resolved or progressed as of 12 February 2026.
CEO Dr Tim Harrison said the sessions were about listening and responding.
“I’m pleased that nearly 90 per cent of the issues raised in December have already been resolved or actioned,” said Dr Harrison. “Community members have taken the time to share their concerns and ideas with us, and we are committed to ensuring they see outcomes wherever possible.”
Key outcomes so far include improved road safety follow-ups across the municipality including refreshed line marking in Willaura as well as completing drainage works and lodging maintenance requests for footpaths, roadside slashing and tree trimming. Requests for dust suppression on selected roads will be considered as part of the upcoming budget development process.
Council will also take concerns about school zone safety in Moyston and Pomonal formally to the Department of Transport and Planning, particularly regarding the installation of flashing school zone signage. Several matters raised relate to roads managed by VicRoads, including speed limits on the Pyrenees Highway and Ararat–Halls Gap Road have also been formally referred to the relevant authority.
Waste management queries were also raised by residents at the consultation sessions, said Dr Harrison.
“While Council investigated the feasibility of introducing a kerbside hard rubbish collection service, analysis shows it would require a significant increase in waste charges and is not financially viable at this time,” he said. “Alternative options and transfer station operations will continue to be reviewed.”
Dr Harrison thanked all community members who attended the December sessions and contributed constructively to discussions about their towns’ future.
“Not every issue can be solved immediately, and some fall outside Council’s responsibility, but every concern is acknowledged, logged and considered,” he said.
Council plans to resume conversations with the community in March and June.
In the meantime, residents are encouraged to continue reporting local issues via Snap Send Solve and to email ideas or concerns to [email protected]
