Communities in Victoria's west push for the return of passenger trains

Communities in Victoria's west are advocating for the return of passenger rail services across major routes, with the Ballarat-Geelong service seen as the most feasible option. Some candidates are also supporting the revival of passenger services to Mildura and Horsham. Victoria's opposition plans to announce its decision on passenger rail to Mildura and Horsham before the upcoming election.

Two of Victoria's largest regional cities, Geelong and Ballarat, have not had a rail connection for nearly five decades, while Mildura has been without passenger rail service since 1993. Residents along the Geelong-Ballarat route have long called for the return of passenger rail services, which would be more convenient than relying on cars, buses, or trains to Melbourne first.

The Victorian Greens, led by Sarah Mansfield, have called for a conversation about reinstating the service, noting the high demand due to population growth.

In Victoria's north-west, Mildura remains the largest regional city without access to a passenger rail service. Passengers must travel to Swan Hill, about two and a half hours away, or take an overnight bus to Melbourne, which takes about eight hours each way. A growing number of residents in Mildura are calling for a train service to Maryborough, connecting to the wider rail network.

Similar calls for the return of passenger rail have been made in the Wimmera region, where the V/Line train service was discontinued in 1993. The Melbourne-to-Adelaide train, The Overland, stops at stations along the Wimmera region four times a week, but residents face inadequate public transport options for medical appointments and other services.

Nhill resident Margaret Millington, who travels to Ballarat and Melbourne for medical appointments, is pushing for more frequent coach services and the return of the V/Line train. A feasibility study on the viability of a passenger train in the Wimmera is recommended by Ms. Millington.