General News
15 February, 2026
Manhari expansion edges closer
ARARAT Rural City Council has given in principle support to a planning application for Manhari Metals recycling plant with a number of stringent conditions. Objectors to the planning application now have 30 days to lodge an appeal with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal if they want to challenge council’s decision before a permit is finalised.
Ararat Rural City Council issued a Notice of Decision for Planning Application PA3354, covering the materials recycling proposal at 169 Elizabeth Street, Ararat.
Council said issuing a Notice of Decision “provides objectors the opportunity to have the decision reviewed by VCAT should they lodge an appeal within 30 days.”
If no appeal is lodged in that time, the Notice will be converted to a permit.
The proposal was advertised twice and attracted seven objections and one petition.
In a February 12 media release, council described the application as “an intensification of uses previously approved”, with “significant conditions” drafted to balance the applicant’s requirements, broader community benefit and impacts on nearby residences.
Council said the “significant conditions” attached to the proposal must be met before certain activities can begin.
“This includes a noise impact assessment which will require mitigation measures to ensure the site meets minimum requirements to lessen impact on the surrounding areas.
“A risk management plan is to be developed in consultation with CFA. Other conditions included to minimise the impact of the use on the amenity of surrounding areas such as hours of operation, restriction of materials allowed and maximum volumes, sealing of trafficable areas, restricting truck movements, stormwater containment, etc.”
Council said the application had been assessed over “many months” and included consultation with the Environmental Protection Authority Victoria, Country Fire Authority, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
The Notice of Decision and delegate report are available via council’s Greenlight planning portal.
The application was lodged in December 2023 and progressed through further information requests, technical assessments and external referrals.
Additional material was submitted in July 2024, with an EPA assessment completed in June 2025.
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