Council wasting no time in resuming major projects
Ararat Rural City Council has several infrastructure projects underway, with more projects scheduled to take place throughout February and March.
Demolition works are continuing at the former Prestige Mill site in Ararat as part of Council’s delivery of essential infrastructure, supported by a $7.3 million Federal Government grant through the Housing Support Program. This project will enable the private development of up to 90 new dwellings, helping to address local housing demand.
In coming weeks, it is anticipated that new furniture will be installed at the Ararat Off Leash Dog Park to be located at Centenary Park, while works will begin on the covered sports arena at the Ararat Pony Club. Council is also planning to start construction on the kitchen and toilet extension at the Buangor Sports and Recreation Reserve, as well as a new toilet for Mininera Recreation Reserve.
Upgrades are also planned for the Pomonal Community Hall, with new acoustic panelling and a public address system to be installed thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Tidy Towns Fund received after the Pomonal fires. Works are also progressing on a 24kW/64kWh battery system, integrated with the existing 10kW solar PV system at the hall. Once complete, the system is expected to provide up to two days of back-up power. This $148,760 grant is part of the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance’s Powering Resilience in the Regions project.
ARCC CEO Dr Tim Harrison said Council had a busy few months ahead, with a strong focus on getting practical projects delivered across the municipality.
“We’ve got a lot of work happening at the moment and even more getting ready to start in February and March while the weather is dry,” Dr Harrison said. “These projects are about improving the places people use every day, whether that’s local roads and footpaths, sporting facilities, community halls or public spaces. It’s good to see so many projects moving ahead and making a real difference for our communities.”
Wrapping up last calendar year, Council completed concreting works at the Gordon Street Reserve to the tune of $160,000, along with minor landscaping and drainage works at the Pomonal Recreation Reserve and the Pomonal shop steps at a cost of $200,000 which was also part of the post fire Tidy Towns funding. Council has also finished the rebuild of Webb Street in Ararat, between Churchill Avenue and McArthur Street. These works form part of a broader package of projects being delivered across the municipality under a $1.8 million package of works funded by the Federal Government’s Road to Recovery program.
To follow major infrastructure projects in Ararat Rural City, go to engage.ararat.vic.gov.au
