Regional rail upgrade could electrify state’s economy

A PUSH to electrify the Geelong train line is part of a plan to add $200bn to Victoria’s economy over the next 30 years, according to a new report.

The Stronger Together Alliance, made up of leaders advocating for regional areas, released its report detailing the massive economic benefits in upgrading V/Line services.

Refitted electrified commuter services between Melbourne, Geelong, Colac, Bendigo, Shepparton, Ballarat and the Latrobe region in Gippsland, independently assessed by the National Institute for Economic and Industrial Research, found upgrades would double capacity, slash travel time and boost Victoria’s economy.

But the proposal hinged on a Melbourne airport rail link and

Stronger Together chair and City of Greater Geelong councillor Bruce Harwood said the report showed the “critical” importance of collaboration between all levels of government.

“The whole intent has been to put a proposal that brings the regions and rural communities much closer to our capital city, thereby vastly enhancing our economic and educational opportunities,” he said. “This can only be done if we’re connected in a seamless and time-saving manner.”

Cr Harwood said regional Victoria’s future in fast rail was dependent on the decision to build the tunnel.

“This is about electrifying the lines from rural areas and having that fast rail connectivity, which has been talked about for decades with no real tangible action,” he said.

“If the tunnel isn’t built to the specification required to the regions, we’ll be locked out of proper fast rail connectivity to Melbourne for decades.”

It comes months after the state opposition called for the release of a business case for a rail line between Melbourne’s CBD and airport.

“The government ought to release this (business case) immediately, there is nothing restricting them from doing that,” opposition spokesman David Davis said at the time.