A state election pledge to re-introduce passenger rail services in the Mallee could well benefit Central Victoria.
That’s according to the Opposition, which is committing $51.2 million towards the proposal if the Liberal-National coalition wins government.
In an interview with our newsroom, Shadow Public Transport Minister Matthew Guy said the trains will be run by standard-gauge locomotives hauling carriages between Mildura and Maryborough, as well as between Ararat and Dimboola.
These services would be connected with the V/Line network via high-speed VLocity units from Ballarat, with passengers switching trains at Maryborough and Ararat.
“Using VLocitys on the Mildura line we can’t do, given there’s 120 unguarded level crossings – it’d take us some years and about $300 million to upgrade those level crossings to run a VLocity,” Mr Guy said.
“And frankly, they’re not fit for purpose – they don’t have reclining seats, they don’t have a café, they’re not comfortable for long-haul services, and we want to provide a better-quality service for long-haul passengers.”
Mr Guy also indicated that extra staff could be employed in both Maryborough and Ararat to help passengers transition between services: “there will need to be crew and staffing for those two services, and of course then overnight back up in Dimboola and Mildura, but that’s part of rail operations, it’s done now and we can add to that as we go along.”
The plan – announced on Monday, October 19th – would see money committed for the project going toward infrastructure improvements, potential train acquisition and refurbishment, and operating costs, ahead of the first services running “by mid-2029”.
Trains on the Mallee route would stop at Red Cliffs, Ouyen, Birchip, Donald, St Arnaud and Dunolly, before terminating at Maryborough.
Liberal candidate for Ripon, Megan Read has expressed her support for the move, saying it “will mean regional Victoria keeps pace” with metropolitan areas.
“People across our community are telling me these services are desperately needed and they’re something our region needs sooner rather than later,” Ms Read said in a statement.
“This commitment proves that we are listening and taking a commonsense approach to policy to actually deliver a government that works for people right across the state, not against them.”
Conversely, Rail Futures Institute president John Hearsch is sceptical of the proposal, telling our newsroom that the coalition’s $51m figure “appears highly optimistic”.
He suggested the plan may be subject to a “risk assessment” by V/Line and rail safety regulator, leading to additional requirements.
“For example, the Mildura line does not have conventional signalling – it operates under a Train Order system, which means even crossing loops, generally speaking, have no signals,” Mr Hearsch said.
“It’s all regulated by the Train Order system, which is regarded as quite satisfactory for freight operations, but may not be seen as adequate in terms of safety for a regular passenger service.”
But he also stated that the Institute was supportive of the opposition’s proposal.
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