Ararat Rural City Council has officially endorsed the naming of a previously unnamed laneway, approving the community-backed title Oak Lane.
Confirmed at the Council Meeting on 25 August 2026, the newly designated laneway is located between George Road and Banfield Street, running parallel to Dawson and High streets.
The name pays tribute to the mature oak trees that historically stood on an adjoining property prior to its residential subdivision. While the trees were removed during the approved development, residents put forward Oak Lane to preserve the site’s natural heritage and identity.
“Naming a local street gives the community an opportunity to capture our local history and character. Through the Engage Ararat process, residents gave us clear feedback that they wanted to honour the old oak trees that once defined this area,” says Ararat Rural City Council CEO Tim Harrison.
“Endorsing Oak Lane allows us to respect the site’s heritage while ensuring emergency services, service providers, and residents have clear, official street recognition moving forward.”
The decision follows a comprehensive 30-day public consultation period, which involved direct notifications to surrounding property owners and open feedback via the Engage Ararat platform.
Council will now work with the Registrar of Geographic Names to update administrative records, mapping databases, and install official street signage.
