Passenger rail services were withdrawn on the Mildura line in 1993 by Jeff Kennett. Labor has made a number of promises over the years to restore this important transport service to the people of Mildura as well as many of the smaller communities along the line. The 2018 and 2022 State Conferences reiterated this commitment to have this train brought back but the current State government is making no efforts to honour the previous promises or abide by two decision of State Conference.
Why is this important?
This proposal involves the introduction of a standard gauge locomotive-hauled passenger service. It will run between Mildura and Maryborough and will connect with the current broad gauge VLocity service through to Melbourne via Ballarat.
Benefits for the reintroduction of Passenger Rail Services to Mildura.
- Able to capture a high degree of population for improved public transportation (60,000 Mildura-Wentworth – 75,000 in corridor 130,000 in tri-state region)
- · Largest Victorian population centre with no access to rail transport
- · Upgrades to the current, infrequent public transport services
- · Current Road coaches inhibit access for elderly and or persons with a disability
- · Reduced reliance on the limited access to air transport in the region
- · Reduced reliance on private transport catering for the whole community
- · High community support for a reintroduced rail service
- · Ability to utilise existing upgrades from the Murray Basin Rail Project (MBRP) and recent Ballarat line investments
- · Benefits to local communities including Maryborough, St Arnaud, Donald, Ouyen, Birchip, Wentworth
The train to Mildura will allow access to the region for tourists from Melbourne and support families to access Melbourne for social, medical or recreational activities.
In the various communities along the Mildura line there are many who rely on public transport as their only means. These are outlined below:
- · Elderly citizens
- Families
- Anyone unable or unwilling to do the drive on the highway to Melbourne
- · Students, apprentices and trainees
- · Seasonal Workers
- · Indigenous community members
- · Tourists
- People who do not wish to or cannot afford to fly to Melbourne
In a diverse community such as the North West, all groups deserve access to effective public transport that is reliable, fast, affordable and provides good connectivity
This service will put Mildura and Melbournetake eight and half hours travel time and represent a competitive timeframe compared to car or coach travel.
The significance of a passenger rail service to local tourism is important. Mildura and many of the communities have markets, festivals and events which would be highly supported by a reasonable passenger rail service.
A more comprehensive summary of the proposal including a draft time table can be found at http://railrevival.org/Mildura%20Proposal%20V%2012.pdf
This petition is sponsored by the Rail Revival Alliance Victoria Inc.
They can be contacted at admin@railrevival.org
Noel Laidlaw
President
Sign the Petition
https://www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/restore-passenger-rail-services-on-the-mildura-line
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Because flying is no longer an option of travel out/to of Mildura as it is too expensive for the average person. Travelling on bus and train is uncomfortable, rushed while you change mode of transport and one option is to catch the bus/train at 2am, not good. Please Mildura deserves a train. Another really bad idea from Jeff Kennett days.
The clowns will probably try and put a Vlocity on the route.
They do that they will defeat the purpose of it……
Not only that not fit for purpose to Warrnambool etc. the constant vibrations and roar of the traction engines underneath where you riding in become very overwhelming after 3-4 constant noise compared to the flucating clatter of loco hauls where passengers are isolated from the source of vibration and constant roars of traction engines!
Not only that unwelded track length may damage it severely compared to a heavier loco haul trains….
Kennett did a lot of damage to the rail network but labor have done much much more. Broken promises to restore passenger trains to Mildura and Leongatha.