At the Council Meeting of 28 May 2024, Ararat Rural City Council discussed the option of selling Council-owned land in Banfield Street, Ararat, located at the yellow rectangle in the image below.

The site has been identified as valuable residential land which is best sold into the private market for development. Located on this land is a footpath and very small playground. Council wish to gauge the community’s thoughts on this area, and provide information about its use.

Find below the answers to pertinent questions you may have, as well as a field to submit your comments.

Q: What will happen to the playground?

A: Council will remove and inspect the condition of the play equipment. If it can continue to be safely used, the equipment may be reused at another location.

By consolidating and focusing their efforts on more frequented play areas, Council will be able to better maintain existing park infrastructure and investment in strategic locations.

Q: Are there any other playgrounds nearby?

A: Yes – both Hewitt Street children’s playground and Alexandra Gardens playground are located a short distance away. Hewitt Street is 7-minute walk from the site, and Alexandra Gardens playground is a 15-minute walk (see green circles below).

Q: I use this pathway as a short-cut between View Point and Banfield Streets. Will it still be available to pedestrians?

A: A small laneway will continue to exist between View Point Street and Banfield Street, in the area shown below dotted in blue (below).

Council will arrange a public meeting to discuss this issue, with date and time to be confirmed.