A new shared walking and bike path to connect Halls Gap with some of its premier tourist destinations will become a reality under an elected National and Liberals Government.
The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, visited Halls Gap today to make a pre-election commitment to fund a 3.3-kilometre extension of an existing pedestrian and bicycle shared path to connect Halls Gap to the Halls Gap Zoo and the Wildlife Art Museum of Australia.
Ms Kealy made the announcement alongside representatives from Northern Grampians Shire Council – which will manage the project – Halls Gap Zoo, WAMA, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism and Run the Gap.
The council has already committed $80,000 towards the project, with Run the Gap – an annual fun run that draws hundreds of competitors to Halls Gap – contributing $70,000.
Ms Kealy said the new path would improve safety by separating walkers and cyclists from vehicle traffic.
“It will complete a critical missing link, strengthening connections between key attractions, accommodation and local businesses,” she said.
“This improved connectivity will enhance visitor experience, support longer stays in the region and increase tourism spend, while contributing to regional recovery following recent natural disasters and bushfires.
“I congratulate the council and Run the Gap event management on their advocacy and fundraising efforts so far, and look forward to working alongside them to bring this exciting project to life.”
Ms Kealy said the commitment was part of The Nationals’ positive plan to give regional Victorians a fresh start, backed by their Fair Share Guarantee to ensure regional communities received their fair share of government infrastructure investment.
“We know that 25 per cent of Victorians live in regional Victoria, so it’s only fair we receive 25 per cent of new infrastructure funding,” she said.
“This commitment for Halls Gap is part of our promise to deliver a fair share of investment in the infrastructure our regional and rural communities need and deserve to keep them thriving.”
