Victorian Government Budget's Rural Roads Support Package to support Ararat

"We've been selected as one of 11 rural councils to benefit from the Budget's $1.4 million Rural Roads Support Package," Dr Harrison said.

"Ararat Rural City manages over 2,300 kilometres of vital rural roads that underpin the productivity and safety of the community.

"Our record investment to fund essential upgrades and maintenance of local roads makes up over 40 per cent of our entire Council budget and with this investment only beginning to scratch the surface on what is required.

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"When you consider that across Victoria the average investment by councils on roads is just 10 per cent of total expenditure, in contrast, the cost burden placed on rural ratepayers is immense.

"The rural roads package in the Budget is not a capital funding program, but an acknowledgement by the Victorian Government that without a coordinated approach to asset planning and expenditure, we will never level the playing field.

"It's only the first step that will hopefully lead to a framework that will see recognition that responsibility for the costs of rural road upgrades sits more appropriately with the State Government."

Ararat Rural City Council is also expected to receive an allocation of over $250,000 thanks to continued investment in the Roadside Weeds and Pests Program, which secures funding for the next four years.

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"The allocation of this funding is much needed and enables Council to control roadside weeds and pests before they can spread to neighbouring land and impact on local agricultural production and the environment," Dr Harrison continued.

"Council's allocation from the program is calculated based on the length of municipal roads that we manage, which ensures funding is provided to the councils that need it most.

"Confirmation of this funding for another four years provides security for a position in our waste and sustainability team and means we can plan further ahead to stay on top of the problem.

"The Budget once again commits to a number of important competitive funding programs that offer opportunities to secure investment in local sport projects and community infrastructure.

"These programs have proved vital to help Council get underway a number of major infrastructure projects that have helped keep locals in jobs. This includes upgrades at Alexandra Oval, Willaura Recreation Reserve and our recent funding to help deliver the Gordon Street Redevelopment."

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