Pledge to help transform Halls Gap

Plans to transform the shopping heart of Halls Gap in the Grampians will get a major boost if the Liberal-nationals win next month’s state election.

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has announced a pledge of $2.75-million towards building infrastructure as part of a major redevelopment project.

Ms Kealy said the promise included building a new bridge over Stony Creek and a connecting primary-traffic road that swept around the east side of the village’s retail hub.

She said the investment would unlock prime commercial land, dramatically improve traffic safety and, critically, ‘lift Halls Gap’s status as a world-class tourist destination’.

The pledge is a response to a Northern Grampians Shire Council masterplan for Halls Gap.

The council has worked with Grampians Tourism and the community to develope a multi-million-dollar plan for the tourist town.

“This would basically ensure Halls Gap’s village centre remains the retail heart of the town,” Ms Kealy said.

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

The plan is designed to open Heath Street for future development by con- necting the street with Grampians Road to the north and creating an arterial route for vehicles travelling through Halls Gap.

Ms Kealy said estimations were that the project would stimulate more than $30-million in economic activity and create about 100 new jobs in the Grampians district during the next 10 years.

“This would really open up Halls Gap commercially, while at the same time preserving and maintaining the natural environment of the village,” she said.

“The popularity of the town means there can be considerable traffic congestion and safety issues, especially for families trying to cross the main road.

“This will do a lot to improve the amenity while at the same time opening opportunity.

“It’s about creating economic development opportunities that respect the special nature of Halls Gap.”

Ms Kealy said Halls Gap was ‘well and truly’ on the Coalition radar in terms of tourism growth in the region.

“Halls Gap has been having big years with tourist numbers and it is important to drive more opportunities for business establishment and growth. This exactly what Halls Gap needs,” she said.

Halls Gap is the main tourist hub in Northern Grampians Shire, generating more than $224-million for the region’s economy.

“An elected Liberal-nationals government will back regional jobs and grow our economies by investing in community-driven projects such as the Halls Gap activation plan,” Ms Kealy said.

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

“We are determined to provide a better deal for western Victoria by developing one of our region’s greatest assets – Grampians National Park.”