As announced in Ararat Rural City Council’s 2024-25 Budget, $2.143 million has been allocated for the reconstruction of section of Buangor-Ben Nevis Road which is currently in poor condition, commencing at the Western Highway end.

The road is a vital thoroughfare between the Pyrenees Highway and Western Highway, and is a significant route for freight vehicles as well as local and tourist traffic. These renewal and upgrade improvements to the road will allow for a reduction in the number of large capacity vehicles travelling through Ararat, in turn alleviating the impact on local roads and substantially increasing transport efficiency.

Buangor-Ben Nevis Road is also the main route for accessing the townships of Buangor, Bayindeen, Warrak and Mount Cole Creek. These reconstruction works will deliver improved connectivity and an enhanced driving experience to our local community, reducing travel times and driver fatigue.

Council are also preparing applications for further funding from State and Federal government to extend the reconstruction and widening scope of works. The length of road that is improved will be subject to receipt of grant funding.

Works proposed include road seal widened to a minimum of 7 metres, excavation and removal of existing pavement, new road base course layers, drainage works, sealing, linemarking, safety barriers and associated signage.

To help Council understand the community’s ways of using or engaging with Buangor-Ben Nevis Road and the surrounding area, please complete the survey below by Friday 30 August 2025.