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Community facilities Public Transport | October 08, 2015

Kealy calls on State Government to continue Overland rail

Emma Kealy, Nationals Member for Lowan is calling on the Victorian Government to confirm The Overland passenger rail service will continue for 2016 and beyond.

In August, the South Australian Government reported that it will give more than $1 million over the next three years to support The Overland train service between Adelaide and Melbourne.

“The Labor government must also commit funding in order to allow The Overland service to continue beyond 2015,” Ms Kealy said.

“I have written to the Minister for Public Transport and spoken in Parliament about The Overland which is our only passenger rail service in the Wimmera.

“I have called on the Labor government to acknowledge the importance of The Overland to the Wimmera and urgently finalise an agreement similar to the South Australian Government to ensure that the service continues and is not reduced.

“Earlier this year concerns were raised with me about the possibility of The Overland passenger rail service ceasing to operate. Bookings are unable to be made after 31 December 2015 and future timetables have not been published.

“The Overland provides a vital link for our region to connect with Melbourne and Adelaide and the Labor government needs to quickly come to the party and commit funding to ensure our passenger rail service continues.

On behalf of the State Government, Public Transport Victoria (PTV) is undertaking a review of services in regional Victoria to form a Network Development Plan for the next 20 years. PTV has now released a summary of feedback received from surveys and workshops held locally in Horsham and Hamilton.

“From the PTV summary report it is clear that local people see passenger rail services as a less stressful way to travel and are looking for improved and extended services,” Emma Kealy said.

“The results highlight the vital need for improved public transport services to our region, including passenger rail services,” she said.

To view a full summary of the PTV Grampians Region report visit https://getinvolved.ptv.vic.gov.au/regional-network-development-plan