MEDIA STATEMENT: CLOSURE OF ARADALE

Monday 24 August 2026

Ararat Rural City Council recognises the heavy toll Aradale’s sudden closure takes on our tour operators, particularly Eerie Tours and Friends of J Ward, and the immediate flow-on impacts on our accommodation and hospitality businesses.

While safety concerns surrounding the site make this a complex issue, the resulting strain on our tourism sector is very real, and we remain fully committed to supporting our local business community.

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Media enquiries: 
Media & Communications Team, Phone – 5355 0223 
Email – [email protected]