General News
23 November, 2025
Funding boost paves the way for safer footpaths
THE footpaths around Gorrinn Village have been earmarked for an upgrade with funding from the Victorian Government. Through the Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program, the Government is providing funding to councils and community organisations for small-scale transport projects. Council will use its funding to deliver 300 metres of path from Gorrinn Village along Albert Street as well as a new path connecting the village with Gordon Street Recreation Reserve.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams recently announced more than $1 million will be provided towards projects across the state, including a sizeable grant to Ararat Rural City Council.
Council will use its funding to deliver 300 metres of path from Gorrinn Village along Albert Street as well as a new path connecting the village with Gordon Street Recreation Reserve.
Kerb ramps and tactiles will also be built to facilitate safe road crossing.
Gorrinn Village currently has an existing one metre wide footpath along Albert Street that has deteriorated to become very difficult to use for elderly people with mobility aids as well as other path users.
In its funding submission, council argued the current footpath is negatively impacting on the retirement village residents’ ability to travel into the Ararat town centre, as well as creating safety hazards for other path users.
The upgrade will remove the existing path and construct a new 1.5 metre wide path that caters to improve accessibility and cater to mobility aids.
The upgrades follow constant lobbying by village resident Anne Shalders.
“I’m thrilled,” she said.
“It has taken quite a while. People from the independent living units need a safe walking area, now we don’t have that. There have been times when we’ve had to wade through puddles or jump them.”
“It’s a beautiful area but not accessible,” she said.
Mayor Bob Sanders said the upgrader would make it easier for Gorrinn Village residents to remain active.
“It is very important we provide a safe environment for our elderly residents.
‘I’m delighted that we can get this project off the ground which will make it easier for residents to go for a walk and stay active,” Cr Sanders said.
Resident Isabelle Vinicombe said she was delighted new footpaths were on the agenda.
“I don’t want to break my leg. It’s a bit of an obstacle course,” she said.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said Gorrinn Village residents made it clear better footpaths were a must.
“This project will fix a missing footpath link in Ararat, making it easier for residents of all ages to stay active.”
“I know many local families and residents at Gorrinn Village have been advocating for this upgrade. We have listened and will soon deliver a better, safer connection to the Gordon Street recreation reserve and town centre,” Ms Haylett said.
Read More: Ararat