News

Public Transport | August 02, 2019

Kealy calls for firm commitment to upgrade public transport services for Lowan residents

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy has called on the Andrews Labor Government to provide a firm commitment to continue The Overland passenger rail service beyond 2019 and provide funding for a long overdue upgrade of the Horsham Railway Station.

The Overland runs twice a week between Adelaide and Melbourne, carrying about 17,000 passengers a year. The service stops in Murray Bridge, Bordertown, Nhill, Dimboola, Horsham, Stawell, Ararat and Geelong.

Under enormous pressure, in December Labor reluctantly provided last minute funding to continue the service for twelve months after Great Southern Rail announced that The Overland would cease operation at the end of the year.

No funding commitment to ensure continuation of the service beyond the end of 2019 has been received.

Ms Kealy is also actively continuing her campaign to have passenger rail services returned to Horsham and Hamilton, as committed to by The Nationals during the 2018 election campaign.

“The Overland is currently the only passenger rail service connecting our region to Melbourne and Adelaide and is very important to the local community, to local jobs and to the local economy,” Ms Kealy said.

“It would be devastating if this service was discontinued due to a lack of government funding support.

“The Nationals are all about bringing better public transport services back to country.

“An upgrade of the Horsham Railway Station, securing the future of The Overland service and returning passenger rail services to Horsham and Hamilton are essential steps to achieve this.

“Our region continues to be overlooked by Labor and Daniel Andrews needs to listen to locals, not just turn a blind eye to our public transport needs.

“Daniel Andrews needs to honour his commitment to ‘deliver for all Victorians’ by upgrading the Horsham Railway Station, securing The Overland service and returning passenger rail services to Horsham and Hamilton to give local residents the public transport service they are entitled to and deserve.”