Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Gwenda Allgood has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne that the Andrews Government will contribute funding towards the Ararat in Transition action plan.
The $35,000 grant towards Ararat in Transition was one of 51 projects that will help councils across Victoria plan for the future under the State Government's Streamlining for Growth Program.
Cr Allgood said Council believed the planned Ararat bypass would provide an opportunity to consolidate Ararat's role as regional centre and capitalise on investment in a number of areas including jobs, transport and the arts.
"Council has included Ararat in Transition in the Council Plan and 2018/19 Budget as a major initiative, so we are thrilled the State Government's funding announcement will assist that," she said.
"The bypass will provide significant safety and amenity improvements to our town, but will also have an impact socially and economically.
"It will also provide opportunities for renewal and revitalisation of Ararat.
"To achieve this requires a great deal of engagement, planning and partnership between local businesses, community members and Council.
Cr Allgood said the objectives will provide a clear direction for the project and the action plan that will deliver priorities for housing diversity, community infrastructure, business investment and urban design.