New footpath, lighting and signage upgrades will be rolled out in key locations across Ararat thanks to funding from the Victorian Government’s Community Crime Prevention Program.
Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison welcomed the investment which will provide a safer, more inclusive link between two sides of the city for pedestrians.
“Council have been supporting local jobs throughout the current health crisis by ramping up a number of community infrastructure projects along the active corridor from Alexandra Oval to Queen Street,” Dr Harrison said.
“This includes the netball court development, Olver Grandstand upgrade, a multi-use ball court at Ararat Skate Park and landscaping at Alexandra Gardens.
“The rail line currently divides this corridor from the town centre, causing many people to avoid the rail and pool underpasses due to the poor visibility and isolation of these structures.
“The $200,000 Community Safety Infrastructure Grant supports Council’s own $100,000 contribution to install new lighting, pathways and signage to link the entire corridor making pedestrian access safer and the area more inviting to the public.”
Projects to be delivered include:
- Pedestrian Wayfinding upgrade – Signs containing landmark maps and historical facts will be placed in various access points between north and south tracks
- Skate Park facilities– Construction of a new public toilet to improve convenience and accessibility at the Skate Park
- Station Rail Underpass– Lighting upgrades through the station rail underpass, connecting the railway station with the Skate Park precinct, residential area and hospital
- Pool Rail Underpass – New signage to provide clearer points of entry to the garden entrance at the oval and from the south side of the underpass at Alexandra Hall
- Queen Street Green Link – A range of protective enhancements will be installed in stages through the empty green link to ensure easier, safer crossings. Construction of a well-lit path and concrete pram crossings provides a clear and safer pedestrian accessway through town.
“These upgrades will allow us to strengthen and expand our safety measures for our public spaces, making Ararat safer while keeping the pipeline of local projects going to get people back to work,” Dr Harrison concluded.
