Ararat Rural City Council has wrapped up its September round of community drop-in sessions, with Councillors and Council staff travelling across the municipality to meet face-to-face with residents in Ararat, Tatyoon, Buangor, Elmhurst, Pomonal, Moyston, Willaura, and Lake Bolac.
The sessions provided residents with a direct opportunity to raise local issues, share ideas, and speak with Council representatives about the matters affecting their towns and districts.
Mayor Cr Bob Sanders said getting out to smaller communities was an important part of Council’s commitment to listening to residents wherever they live. “Not everyone can make it into Ararat for a meeting, and they should not have to,” Cr Sanders said. “These drop-in sessions are about getting out into our towns, sitting down with people face-to-face, and hearing what is on their minds.
“We have had some really good conversations across the municipality. People have been open about what is working, what needs attention, and where they want to see Council focus its efforts.”
Council was particularly pleased to support the newly opened Elmhurst Hotel, which hosted a strong turnout for the Elmhurst session. “It was terrific to see so many people at Elmhurst, and to be able to hold the session at the hotel so soon after it opened,” Cr Sanders said. “The hotel is already bringing people together, and that is exactly what a good local pub should do. We are very pleased to throw our support behind it.”
Residents raised a broad range of local priorities during the sessions, including requests for improved maintenance and safety on unsealed roads, drains, footpaths, walking tracks, bridges, roadside vegetation, and public spaces. Communities also sought progress on local facilities and township projects, community hall upgrades, recreation reserve and tennis court maintenance, Avenues of Honour, pools and playgrounds.
Tatyoon residents highlighted the need for timely grading of unsealed roads, with particular attention to school bus routes, while road safety concerns raised across the municipality will be assessed by Council or referred to the relevant road authority where appropriate.
Council will now work through the feedback received and provide updates as matters progress. Initial priorities identified through the sessions include planning for replacement heating at the Elmhurst Hall, refreshing Christmas decorations across the municipality, and investigating a number of road-related concerns.
Matters that fall under the responsibility of the Victorian Government, including VicRoads matters, will be escalated as a priority.
Council thanks all residents who attended a session, shared their views, and took the time to contribute. Council also acknowledges the Councillors and staff who travelled throughout the municipality to take part in the discussions.
Community feedback from the September sessions will help inform Council’s ongoing work across the municipality, with further updates to be provided as actions and timeframes are confirmed.
