Rail link plan war of words

Group hits back after MP rejects project

A WAR of words has broken out over a proposal for a passenger rail service from Bendigo to Geelong via Ballarat and Maryborough.

Rail Revival Alliance Victoria (RRAV) hit out at State Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan for rejecting their proposal, in favour of prioritising other public transport improvements.

RRAV spokesman Scott Ramsay accused Ms Allan of “deception” and urged her to fund the project.

“Public Transport Minister, Jacinta Allan may need to change what she wishes for and alter her narrow and limited opinion about the Bendigo-Geelong rail link,” Mr Ramsay said.

“To date, Jacinta Allan has not provided a singular substantive reason why the Bendigo-Geelong rail link should not be reconstructed and have passenger services operational to link the regional centres.”

When asked for her response, Ms Allan said she shared the aspiration for more and better services throughout our regional network.

“That’s why we secured the money for $1.7 billion of regional rail revival works that will provide a vital upgrade to every rail line, including to Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo,” Ms Allan said.

“We are already getting on with the job of delivering the Murray Basin Rail project and the Ballarat Line upgrade — projects that will help freight and passenger services now and also allow us to plan for more services to more places in the future.”

Golden Plains Shire Mayor Helena Kirby said the council would be supportive of improved rail links through the shire.

“Lack of public transport is an issue across Golden Plains Shire, and council would welcome the return of passenger rail to the shire, especially con- necting our residents to Geelong and Ballarat,” Cr Kirby said.

“We have strong economic, social, workforce and education connections to Geelong and Ballarat, and a passenger rail service between these two regional centres and Bendigo would be of great assistance to our community and our economy.

“Council is especially pleased that Avalon Airport will soon be commencing international flights as this will open a new gateway to the Barwon and Central Highlands regions, making a passenger rail service between these two regional cities critically important.”

The RRAV’s plan is to reinstate a passenger rail service between Geelong and Bendigo. A report published by the previous state government estimated the proposal would cost about $900 million. But the RRAV claims an independent report said it could be instituted for less than $90 million.