Victorian Liberal Nationals promise to bring V/Line trains back to Mildura and Horsham

The Victorian Liberal National Coalition has promised to bring passenger train services back to Mildura for the first time in more than 30 years, if it wins the state election. 

V/Line train services between Melbourne and Mildura were axed in 1993 by the former Liberal premier Jeff Kennett.

The Coalition said passenger services would return to Mildura and Dimboola by mid-2029 as part of its $51.2 million Wimmera Mallee Rail plan.

The Mildura train service would stop at Red Cliffs, Ouyen, Birchip, Donald, St Arnaud and Dunolly before connecting with Melbourne-bound trains at Maryborough. 

The Dimboola service would stop at Horsham, Murtoa and Stawell, before connecting with the wider train network at Ararat.

The Coalition said there would be three return services a week on each corridor.

Decades-long campaign

Mildura remains the largest regional city in the state without access to a passenger rail service.

Currently, the nearest passenger train service is based in Swan Hill, two and a half hours away, with passengers required to catch a coach service from Mildura to Swan Hill.

Alternatively, residents can take the overnight bus to Melbourne, but both options take about eight hours each way.

Liberal leader Jess Wilson said bringing back passenger rail would give people across the Wimmera and Mallee a more-affordable way to travel and stay connected to the rest of Victoria.

“Their voices have been heard and now the Liberals and Nationals have a plan to make it happen,” Nationals member for Mildura Jade Benham said.

The coalition said its initial investment would fund infrastructure improvements, potential train acquisition and operating costs over four years.