News

small business Community facilities Roads | October 23, 2018

The Nationals to lift Halls Gap as world class destination

Halls Gap will be lifted to world class tourist status if The Nationals are elected to government in November, Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has announced.

“The Nationals in government will invest in Halls Gap’s future by providing $2.75 million towards building a new road and bridge over Stoney Creek, unlocking prime commercial land in Heath Street and ensuring the Village Centre remains the retail heart of Halls Gap,” Ms Kealy said.

“This investment will significantly improve safety for local residents and tourists by easing traffic and pedestrian congestion in the Village Centre.”

The Northern Grampians Shire Council, in consultation with Grampians Tourism and the broader community, have developed a masterplan for the future development of Halls Gap.

The Plan aims to open up underutilised land in Heath Street for future development by building a new bridge over Stoney Creek, connecting Heath Street with Grampians Road, creating a major arterial road and a direct route for vehicles travelling through Halls Gap.

It is estimated that the project will stimulate more than $30 million of economic activity and create approximately 100 new jobs for the Grampians region over the next 10 years.

Halls Gap is the main tourist hub in the Northern Grampians Shire Council, generating in excess of $224 million annually for local businesses and the broader community.

“While city-centric Labor has abandoned Regional Victoria, an elected Liberal Nationals Government will back regional jobs and grow our local economies by investing in community-driven projects like the Halls Gap Activation Plan,” Ms Kealy said.

“The Nationals believe in backing projects that local communities have identified as priorities and are pleased to help the local community’s vision become a reality.

“I am proud to be part of The Nationals team that is determined to deliver a better deal for western Victoria by developing one of our region’s greatest assets – the Grampians National Park.”