Council & Politics
22 March, 2026
Council to finalise election “wishlist”
WITH a state election just eight months away, Ararat Rural City Council is gearing up for an intensive advocacy program to get commitments to important projects across the municipality. At this Tuesday’s council meeting, councillors will be asked to narrow down a “wish list” of projects they will lobby political parties for ahead of polling day.
Ararat is seen to be in a good position ahead of the election, with an expected strongly fought campaign in the seat of Ripon between the Labor, Liberal and National Parties.
Labor’s Martha Haylett holds Ripon by 2.9%.
Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said he would not pre-empt what councillors will decide, but he is certain the Western Highway duplication between Buangor and Ararat will be high on the list amongst other priorities.
“Obviously completion of part 2B of the Western Highway would be good to see move forward and there has been a bit of movement on that over the past few weeks.”
Dr Harrison is also keen to secure the last bit of funding for the East Grampians Pipeline.
“It’s not a state issue, but it would be great if the state could influence the feds $32 million for the East Grampians pipeline,” Dr Harrison said.
In 2025, council released a list of “Advocacy Priorities” which included numerous initiatives to improve infrastructure and liveability within the municipality including;
· Housing support and the need for move housing projects
· Childcare access, especially in places like Lake Bolac
· New Kindergarten facilities
· More train services to Melbourne
· Activate Ararat to unlock the Ararat East Development Zone
· The Ararat Mountain Bike Trail which was announced by the Government in 2020 but has not commenced
· A Wine Discovery Centre to showcase the regions wines
· Funding to establish a Renewable Energy Park
· Improved mobile and NBN connections, particularly in rural areas
· Local road funding including money for the north-south heavy vehicle route, Mount William Road and Buangor-Ben Nevis Road
· A new pavilion for Tatyoon Recreation Reserve
· A new indoor sports complex
· Redevelopment of the A&J McDonald Centre
· An upgrade of Ararat Outdoor Pool to allow it to be used all year round
Dr Harrison said he was confident some of the projects will receive commitment from the major parties.
“The highway would have to be the biggest issue for local residents. It has been a promise that has been on the books for some time and it’s had a whole range of issues and hopefully we’re seeing some of those overcome at the moment.
“If we have a dual lane highway between here and Melbourne it’s a real bonus for our community in terms of access to services, access to the capital city, we’ve got a good train service and if the highway was finished we’d be in a really good space,” he said.
Dr Harrison said Ararat was in a good place to get substantial government commitments.
“The major parties are finalising their preselection at the moment for Ripon, it’s obviously a marginal seat and that’s always a great position to be in for a council in terms of seeking promises and funding for ongoing projects.
“We’re determined to make every post a winner for our community,” Dr Harrison said.
Councillors will finalise their election “wishlist” at Tuesday’s meeting.