General News
7 October, 2026
Coalition commits to Halls Gap to zoo trail
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 Liberal Government.
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 Liberal Government.
Lowan MP Emma Kealy visited Halls Gap on Thursday, October 1, to announce a pre-election commitment to fund a 3.3km extension of the existing shared path, connecting Halls Gap to the Halls Gap Zoo and the Wildlife Art Museum of Australia.
Ms Kealy introduced representatives from the Northern Grampians Shire Council, which will manage the project, as well as from Halls Gap Zoo, WAMA, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism, and Run the Gap.
The council has committed $80,000 to the project, and Run the Gap, an annual event attracting hundreds to Halls Gap, has contributed $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 this promise was part of The Nationals’ plan to give regional Victorians a fresh start, supported by their Fair Share Guarantee to make sure regional communities get their fair share of government infrastructure funding.
“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.”