Vol. 20 18 No. No. 21 27 Vol.
FREE FREE PUBLICATION PUBLICATION
Wednesday, January 13, Wednesday, November 22, 2016 2017
Rail fight gathers intensity A
BY DEAN LAWSON
fight for better passenger-rail services connecting the Wimmera with Melbourne has gathered intensity, with Member for Mallee Andrew Broad challenging the State Government to take action.
STATE TITLE: Natimuk gymnast Ben Grey scooped the pool at Men’s Junior Victorian Championships at the weekend, winning individual overall honours in level-two competition. Natimuk and District Gymnastic Club’s level-two boys stole the spotlight, crowned the state’s best team in the division. For more on the club’s success, see page 58. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
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Mr Broad told The Weekly Advertiser the Federal Government had opened the door for the potential for national support but the request had to come from the State Government. “In the past, the Federal Government funded mainly rail freight, leaving passenger rail to state governments,” he said. “However, the Federal Government is now prepared to assist in funding business cases for passenger rail and to fund up to 75 percent of building costs. “But an application and partnership to undertake both a business case and passenger rail to Horsham and Stawell must come from the Victorian Government.” Mr Broad said he could see a concept where a velocity train ran on Australian Rail Track Commission standard-gauge tracks from Horsham, through Stawell and Ararat to Ballarat, where passengers would change to a broadgauge train to Melbourne. He said the vision involved converting the track from Ararat to Ballarat to standard gauge. “Velocity trains are made in Dandenong, there would need to be additional boom-gate crossings, timetable considerations, station upgrades and some track changes,” he said. “All this is completely doable, but it will take commitment from both the federal and state governments.” Mr Broad said despite Horsham and Stawell
being vibrant inland cities, they lacked adequate connectivity. “I believe their long-term future must involve regular passenger-rail services to Ballarat and Melbourne,” he said. “I have witnessed the growth that has come to other Victorian cities where good-speed internet connection and regular passenger-rail services have enhanced employment and study opportunities. “Let’s be honest – living, studying and working in Horsham and Stawell is much better than being stuck on the smog-filled freeways of Melbourne. “However, given that some jobs and study require regular trips to Melbourne, many people are forced to move away. “With flexible work hours and study, living in the region is great provided it’s relatively simple to get to where you need to go. “Many of our senior Australians head to Ballarat for health appointments, and a short drive to Horsham or Stawell followed by a pleasant train ride would make those appointments a lot easier.” Wimmera Development Association executive director Ralph Kenyon was quick to back Mr Broad’s push for action on the passengerrail issue. “We would certainly support Mr Broad’s push for a business case to improve passengerrail services for Horsham and Stawell,” he said. “The State Government has a regional passenger-rail plan but it doesn’t really include anywhere west of Ararat. Continued page 3
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