General News
8 August, 2026
Bus proposal reaches Deputy Premier
A CAMPAIGN for a direct V/Line coach between Ararat and Halls Gap has reached a pivotal stage, with the proposal now before Victoria’s Deputy Premier after securing the backing of local government, community organisations and two government MPs. Ripon MP Martha Haylett and Western Victoria MP Jacinta Ermacora both wrote to then Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams in July, urging the Victorian Government to establish a daily coach service linking Ararat Railway Station with Halls Gap via Moyston and Pomonal.
Only days after the letters were sent, Ms Williams was elevated to Deputy Premier while retaining responsibility for public and active transport, placing the proposal before one of the Victorian Government’s most senior ministers.
The proposed service would create a direct rail-to-coach connection between Ararat and the Grampians, positioning Ararat as the region’s public transport gateway while improving access for residents, workers and visitors.
In her July 13 letter, Ms Haylett described the proposal as a “vital public transport connection” that would build on the Allan Government’s investment in regional rail services and cheaper V/Line fares.
“Establishing a daily bus connection between Ararat and Halls Gap represents a natural next step in building on these investments,” she wrote.
“By better activating Ararat Railway Station as the gateway to the Grampians National Park, this service would maximise the value of existing transport investments while providing a seamless journey for both tourists and locals.”
In a second letter, dated July 20, Ms Ermacora also urged the minister to support the proposal, saying it would strengthen regional connectivity and help establish Ararat Railway Station as the gateway to the Grampians National Park.
The Ararat proposal emerged after an earlier push to improve the existing Stawell-Halls Gap coach service stalled.
Mr Walsh initially advocated rerouting the existing service through Lake Fyans, Pomonal and the Wildlife Art Museum of Australia to improve patronage and better serve communities along the corridor.
When that proposal failed to proceed, he shifted his focus to an Ararat-Halls Gap coach service designed to connect directly with passenger trains.
Earlier this year, the Department of Transport and Planning ruled out rerouting the existing Stawell-Halls Gap service. Mr Walsh later discussed the Ararat proposal with a senior departmental manager, who indicated the concept remained possible if funding could be secured.
“They said they support it, but it’s subject to funding,” he said.
The proposal now has the backing of Ararat Rural City Council, tourism operators, businesses and community organisations along the corridor. It has also attracted formal support from two government MPs. Mr Walsh said departmental feedback indicated funding was now the principal hurdle.
After months campaigning for the Ararat proposal – and more than two decades advocating for better regional public transport – Mr Walsh said the proposal was now in the hands of government.
“I’ve got no more I can do now,” he said.
“It’s up to them to make a decision.”