AN ELECTED Labor Government will give $19 million towards the Grampians Peaks Trail.
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Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews made the first trip to the Wimmera by a major party leader during the State Election campaign, targeting the marginal seat of Ripon on Thursday.
Earlier on Thursday, the Coalition promised $10 million for the project if it was successful at the November 29 poll.
Grampians Tourism chief executive Will Flamsteed said it was a great day for tourism in the Grampians.
‘‘The bi-partisan commitment by both sides of government shows that the Grampians Peaks Trail is a viable economic project that will drive the sustainability of our region for the next 50 years,’’ he said.
He said the trail was poised to generate new jobs and drive economies of communities surrounding the Grampians.
Mr Andrews said the trail, with an overall cost of $27.5 million, would span 144 kilometres from Mount Zero to Dunkeld.
‘‘You talk about the visitor economy coming into the region, with so many people spending money, spending time, the best food, the best wine – this is what it’s all about,’’ he said.
‘‘If you’re going to do this, you do it properly.
‘‘My job is to give Victorians a choice and I think the people of Stawell now have a very clear choice.
‘‘$10 million is not enough – it’s as simple as that.’’
Deputy Premier Peter Ryan and Environment Minister Ryan Smith announced their commitment prior to Mr Andrews making the announcement.
Mr Andrews made a raft of other announcements during his visit.
Labor also promised $1.75 million for a proposed particle physics laboratory in Stawell.
‘‘The jobs will guarantee the diversity in the jobs market and guarantee the diversity in terms of the economy,’’ Mr Andrews said.
He said the laboratory would generate 215 high-skilled jobs.
Mr Andrews promised $600,000 towards the Stawell Gift and $500,000 towards an expansion of Frewstals Lamb and Sheep Processing in Stawell.
But Mr Andrews could not elaborate on whether there would be any specific announcements in the neighbouring safe Nationals seat of Lowan.
‘‘There are many other announcements we have made and they are all applicable to every community across the state,’’ he said.
He estimated the announcements would generate 440 jobs collectively.
Labor also committed $3.7 million to upgrade Ararat Town Hall.
Mr Andrews said it would make the Ararat Regional Art Gallery a hub for art in the region.
He also promised a $95,000 feasibility study to look into Ararat becoming a freight and logistics hub.