Mr Andrews has announced that a Labor Government would give Stawell a real future, with a landmark plan to create 440 jobs, boost international exports and put the town at the cutting edge of scientific research.

“With the Stawell Gold Mine closing after 30 years of operation and local unemployment increasing since 2010, Stawell needs support to boost local businesses and build the industries of the future,” Mr Andrews said.

Mr Andrews joined Labor’s Candidate for Ripon, Daniel McGlone in announcing Labor’s $21.9 million package to create 440 jobs.

The package includes:

A $1.75 million plan to kick start the conversion of part of the Stawell Gold Mine into a new particle physics laboratory - the only one of its type in the Southern Hemisphere - creating 215 high-skill jobs. The Centre of Excellence for Particle Physics want to establish an underground facility within the mine.

A $19 million investment in the Grampians Peak Trail - a 144 kilometre walk from Mt Zero to Dunkeld - that will attract an estimated 23,000 visitors a year by 2020. Labor’s funding will build new tracks, boardwalks and bridges, construct hiker camps and upgrade existing facilities. The project will create 115 jobs in construction and 60 in ongoing operations.

A $500,000 expansion of Frewstal Lamb and Sheep Processing to enable this proud local company to increase exports to China and create 30 new jobs. Frewstal is the district's largest employer.

* A $600,000 contribution to support the Stawell Gift, an iconic foot race attracting 13,000 visitors a year. Labor's funding will maintain buildings and sponsor the event - securing its future and protecting local jobs.

"The next chapter in Stawell's story is an exciting one. Under Labor, the district will have more tourist drawcards, major export reach into Asia and a key role in the world's next great scientific discovery.

"Families here are worried, but Labor will never leave them behind. We'll get to work creating jobs on day one." 

Mr McGlone said he believed Stawell was in a good position to move forward.

"I refuse to believe that Stawell's best days are behind it. We'll work hard to build the industries of the future in our district," he said.

Northern Grampians Shire Mayor, Cr Kevin Erwin, welcomed the release of the jobs plan, which was discussed during a meeting last week with Shadow Treasurer Tim Pallas in Stawell.

Cr Erwin said since the recommendation was handed down by Planning Minister Matthew Guy that the Big Hill Enhanced Development Project should not proceed, senior management within council had been working extremely hard to see what commitments could be secured for Stawell.

He said the meeting with Mr Pallas, which was also attended by Crs Karen Hyslop and Murray Emerson, had produced a positive outcome.

"Mr Pallas came here with perhaps some understanding, but not a great understanding of the situation in Stawell," Cr Erwin said.

"He went away with a much better understanding and a much more positive attitude, that if in the next few weeks they (Labor) are in government and he is the Treasurer, that he will have a better understanding and will work with the community of Stawell to create jobs within this community, because he is well aware that they are much needed.

"We have also been working with the current government over the last couple of years to try and create those jobs. A lot of work has been done and hopefully, when the dust has settled, Stawell can progress and produce those much needed jobs and can move forward after what has been a tough week in Stawell's history."