Promptly following the adoption of Ararat Rural City Council's 2024/25 Budget, Council has expediently initiated its Capital Works Program within the first week of the new financial year.
Vital upgrade works have continued along Mount William Road, marking a significant development in local infrastructure enhancements. This week, substantial progress was made on this project in carrying out surface works to improve the road's overall condition and longevity.
The road is critical to local wheat, barley, canola and oats farmers accessing the Lakaput bulk grain storage facility, CHS Broadbent's primary Victorian bulk grain receival space. Improving access and efficiency for the larger capacity vehicles which transport these harvests will substantially increase the efficiency of transport, reducing supply-chain costs for our primary producers and enabling them greater competitiveness in an increasingly global market.
Council has earmarked $6.25 million for reconstructing six kilometres of Mount William Road, a significant route for agricultural freight as well as local and tourist traffic. These upgrade works are part of Council's ongoing commitment to renewing the community's assets through a $15,513,000 investment in capital works, as set out in Council's 2024/25 Budget
Key elements of the Capital Works Program include:
Capital Works Program:
- $6.25 million - Mount William Road reconstruction
- $1.8 million Gravel Road Re-sheeting
- $1 million - Road Reseals
- $750,000 - Urban Drainage
- $700,000 - Urban Road and Laneway Sealing
- $500,000 - Community Infrastructure
- $400,000 - Foot and Bike Paths
- $239,000 - Kerb and Channel Works
"We're extremely proud to announce the immediate commencement of our Capital Works Program," says Ararat Rural City Mayor, Cr Bob Sanders. "These initiatives are integral to our ongoing commitment to enhancing community assets, supported by a substantial $15.5 million investment outlined in Council's 2024/25 Budget, reflecting our dedication to improving infrastructure for the benefit of our residents."
