Minutes in a Second

Ararat Rural City Council, 25 August 2026

Checked

Decisions

  1. Adopted monthly financial statements and performance indicators to 31 July 2026

    Operating surplus was $15.486 million for the period ended 31 July 2026.

  2. Named the laneway “Oak Lane” and submitted it to the Geographic Names Registrar

    “Oak Lane” was adopted for the laneway between George Road and Banfield Street.

  3. Increased CEO procurement delegation to $3 million for Queen Street Housing Support

    The delegation was increased to $3 million per procurement for the project only.

  4. Received the July 2026 Community Engagement Program report

    Next engagement sessions are planned for 14-18 September 2026 in Ararat, Buangor, Elmhurst, Lake Bolac, Moyston, Pomonal, Tatyoon and Willaura.

  5. Received the Annual Plan 2026/27 (July update) and Capital Works Program (July 2026)

    Council received both documents at the meeting.

Other notable items

  • Community engagement raised 82 issues; 76 resolved or referred by 20 August 2026.
  • Prestige Mill update received; demolition progressing and enabling infrastructure expected in second half of 2026.
  • Windfarm discussions covered fire risk, decommissioning, and community benefit guidelines.

Tech & Innovation Notes

  • Online engagement used “Engage Ararat” and issue tracking through Snap Send Solve.
  • Smart city items referenced Smart Cities Strategy, cyber security uplift, and digital/permit forms.
  • Digital grants mentioned Digital Twin Victoria and Free Public WiFi Services.
57 pages of minutesdecisions from pp. 12, 19, 24, 32, 40