General News
30 June, 2026
No movement on town eyesore
THE owners of a burnt out shop at Ararat’s Woolworths complex have been forced to take action to ensure the site doesn’t pose a risk for shoppers. However, there are still no plans in place to rebuild the two shops after they were destroyed by fire in July 2024.
Panels and loose signage has been removed from the burnt out tobacco shop under advice from council.
Council has advised the Advocate that additional safety measures are currently underway at the fire-damaged shop.
“During recent works to remove damaged signage that posed a risk to the public, it was identified that necessary structural supports had been removed. In response, Council has taken immediate action to address the issue in the interest of community safety,” a Council spokesperson said.
Additional temporary fencing and bollards have now been installed around the affected footpath area to restrict access and minimise risk to pedestrians.
“Works to rectify the situation are ongoing and are expected to continue through to next week.
“Council will continue to monitor the site and take any further action required to ensure public safety,” the spokesperson said.
The fire was believed linked to the extensive fire bombing of tobacco shops around Victoria.
A Truginina teenager was changed in relation to the fire in September 2024.
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