Victoria Police released the proposed design of the station late in April and a public consultation period followed.

The proposal is to demolish the current police station and associated outbuildings at the rear of the site, as well as demolish the former police residence in Ligar Street and construct a new station in their place.

The new two storey station will house facilities for all staff members, including administration areas, custodial areas, police operation areas, a fully equipped gym, interview space, public meeting spaces as well as provision for future expansion of staff.

During the public consultation period four written submissions were received in relation to the design of the new station from members of the public.

Officer in charge of Ararat Police Senior Sergeant Matthew Wood, together with Derek Thornhill, project director Victoria Police, formally handed over the planning permit application to Ararat Rural City's chief executive officer Steve Chapple on Friday.

The community now has six weeks in which to comment on the application.

The community consultation period has been extended from the normal 21 days to six weeks to allow ample time for the community to comment.

Following the consultation period Council will assess the application and any objections and make a notice of decision on the application. Depending on any formal appeals to Council's final decision, the process may take around four months.

"Council welcomes the submission of the application by Victoria Police and we look forward to deliberating over the application,'' Mayor Cr Fay Hull said.

"We also welcome constructive comment on the proposal.''

A public information session will be held next Tuesday night to discuss the proposed new station, which follows a previous information session in April.

Members of Victoria Police, Ararat Rural City Council and design consultants will be on hand to answer queries regarding the new facility.

Mr Thornhill said at the meeting the consultant team will be presenting its current plans, the process it has been through to address concerns expressed by the community and special features of the building.

"It is important the community has the opportunity to get up close and talk to the consultant team and has the opportunity to clarify concerns,'' he said.

Senior Sergeant Wood hoped the community would get behind the project.

"I hope the community sees (the project) as forward thinking and also sees it as picking up on the direction being taken by the city,'' he said.

The opportunity for local tradespeople to become involved in the project is seen as exciting by Ararat Rural City.

"It is important to get on with it so that investment can start flowing in the community,'' Mr Chapple said.

"There is the opportunity for our local tradespeople to be involved.

"The Industry Capability Network has been working with council for some tome to upskill local tradespeople, who can then take advantage of larger developments such as the new police station and extension of HM Prison Ararat.''

The Industry Capability Network works to ensure that local businesses are presented with the opportunity to participate in major projects by working in partnership with government, associations, industry and project proponents.

Mr Thornhill said when the project goes to tender an information night will be held for local tradespeople so that they can then provide the right information to contractors putting together tenders.

"Victoria Police has been proactive in this approach and has won awards from the Industry Capability Network in the past,'' he said.

The community information session will be held at the Ararat Performing Arts Centre between 6.30pm and 8pm next Tuesday.

For those unable to attend copies of the plans and details of the proposal are available for viewing at the Ararat Regional Library and Ararat Rural City Council Municipal Offices.