Ararat Rural City Council has presented a report card on the Council Plan 2017-2021, summarising progress on the 41 major initiatives outlined for years 1 and 2.
Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said out of the 41 initiatives, 29 have been 100% completed and 12 are in progress (with five initiatives 0-50% complete and seven 51-99% complete).
Dr Harrison said the initiatives range from infrastructure projects such as the Ararat Men's Shed and the Ararat Arts Precinct redevelopment, to strategy development such as the Local Area and School Traffic Management Plan and a Reconciliation Plan.
"The Council Plan initiatives also include seeking funding for important projects such as the redevelopment of the Alexandra Oval precinct and the East Grampians Pipeline, both of which have now been fully funded by state and federal governments," he said.
"The Council Plan also lists advocacy activities such as supporting the development of the Willaura Railway Precinct.
"These are all important priorities for different sections of our region that help maintain, support and grow our vibrant and healthy communities right across the municipality."
The Council Plan is an overarching document that guides Council's priority actions over five years. The document is revised each year to ensure it is relevant to the organisation's current objectives.
Some of the major initiatives that have been completed in years 1 and 2 of the plan include:
- Construction of the Ararat Men's Shed.
- Redevelopment of the Ararat Arts Precinct.
- Developing a business case for the Ararat Hills Mountain Bike and Trails Project.
- Developing a strategy for future labour force planning.
- Supporting and advocating for the East Grampians Water Pipeline project.
- Installation of a waterslide at the Ararat Olympic Pool.
- Installation of irrigation systems at Gordon Street Oval (Ararat) and the Pomonal Recreation Reserve.
- Willaura Hall access improvements.
- Supporting stage 1 of the Tatyoon Recreation Reserve redevelopment.
- Pedestrian improvements on the Western Highway / Elizabeth Park in Ararat.
- Initiate the Resilience Project with local schools.
Dr Harrison reminded community members that the Council Plan (revised for 2019, year 3) is now on display for public comment, with submissions closing on Tuesday 11 June at 5.15pm.
