Council & Politics
31 August, 2026
Liberals’ plan to make Ararat safer
THE Coalition says it will increase the operating hours of the Ararat Police Station front counter if successful at November’s election.
Crime remains a major concern in Ararat, with 1,104 criminal incidents recorded across the Ararat local government area in 2026.
The crime rate in Ararat is significantly higher than the Victorian average, with 9,340 offences per 100,000 people compared with 6,513 across Victoria.
More than 530 offences occurred at residential properties, while breaches of bail conditions and theft from retail stores have also increased.
Liberal Candidate for Ripon Megan Read said Ararat residents deserved better access to police and a government committed to restoring community safety.
“We all know someone who has been a victim of crime in the past few years.
“For too many families, crime is no longer something that happens to someone else - it has affected someone we know.
“Ararat’s crime rate is significantly higher than the Victorian average, and we need to take that seriously.
“A Jess Wilson Liberal Government will increase the operating hours of the Ararat Police Station front counter and make sure our police have the support, resources and powers they need to keep Ararat families safe.”
The Victorian Liberals say they will recruit 3,000 more police officers for the frontline, filling existing vacancies and adding an additional 1,500 officers.
“Our police put their lives on the line every day to protect our families and communities,” Ms Read said.
“They deserve a government that backs them and gives them the resources they need to do their job.
“We want to make Victoria safe again,” said Ms Read.
“That means more police, real consequences for criminals and tackling the causes of crime.
“Ararat deserves to be a safe place to live, work and raise a family.
“A Jess Wilson Liberal Government will stand with our police and stand with regional communities to make that happen.
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