Last chance to have your say on Draft Budget priorities

A new roundabout at the Queen and Moore Street intersection and a new walking track for Pomonal are two major initiatives highlighted in the Ararat Rural City Draft Budget 2026/27 that is still out for public comment.

The proposed budget also includes council’s highest-ever capital works program, with $15.8M proposed for infrastructure projects across the municipality, building on previous years’ investments in roads, community facilities, drainage, increasing housing stock and township amenities.

The document also proposes a modest 2.25 percent rate increase, which is 0.5 percent below the Victorian rate cap, continuing council’s focus on responsible financial management while limiting impacts on ratepayers.

To support families, young people and a growing community, the budget again supports free access to outdoor pools as well as the introduction of a new youth initiative called the Crazy Ideas College. 

There will also be recurrent funding for infrastructure projects such as Moyston Recreation Reserve public toilet upgrade, Prestige Mill Essential Infrastructure Project (to support future housing) and the Buangor-Ben Nevis Road upgrade.

Ararat Rural City Council CEO, Dr Tim Harrison said residents, business owners and community groups still had another week to provide feedback on the Draft Budget and thanked those who had already provided comment.

“Over the past seven budget cycles we have been very deliberate about how we manage every dollar, and this Draft Budget continues that story of doing the basics well, investing where it counts, and avoiding unnecessary shocks for households,” Dr Harrison said. 

“We have heard strong interest in areas such as parking, road and street tree landscaping, accessibility services, sustainability, and leisure and recreation spaces, and this is the community’s chance to see what we have planned and tell us whether we have the balance right.

“We really appreciate everyone who has already provided feedback, whether online or through our in-person sessions, and I would strongly encourage anyone who has not yet had their say to do so,” he said.

The Draft Budget 2026/2027, along with a Budget Snapshot and supporting information, is available at https://engage.ararat.vic.gov.au/draft-budget-20262027, where community members can make an online submission or provide comments directly on the project page. 

Submissions are open until 5 pm on Friday 24 April 2026, ahead of the Draft Budget being considered for adoption at the May Council Meeting.

How to have your say

• Visit Engage Ararat at https://engage.ararat.vic.gov.au/draft-budget-20262027 and complete the online feedback form.
• Email a written submission to Council referencing the Draft Budget 2026/2027.
• Post a written submission to Ararat Rural City Council, PO Box 246, Ararat VIC 3377, to arrive by 5 pm on Friday 24 April 2026.