Originally published September 1993
Rail group stunned.
Organisers of the campaign to save The Vinelander were stunned by Sunday’s sudden death of the only passenger rail service to the district.
The precipitous action of the Public Transport Corporation (PTC) in replacing the train service with coaches a week earlier than expected was an indication of a Government which is scared of the people, according to the convenor of the Saving The Vinelander Action Group (STVAG).
Fr Dan Murphy said the Government was afraid of protest action similar to that which occurred in Bairnsdale which 600 people sat on the track to prevent the last train on that line leaving the station.
“The Government shows the characteristics of all governments that govern against the will of the people – they are afraid of people having their say,” Fr Murphy said.
There is no doubt that before the election the voting public was given the impression that, if the Liberal Party was voted into power, it would retain the train.”
The Victorian Premier, Mr Kennett, the Public Transport Minister, Mr Alan Brown, and MLA for Mildura, Mr Craig Bildstien, all gave assurances before the last State election that they would not only keep The Vinelander, but would upgrade the service.
A public transport user’s group said axing the train has made a tear in the fabric of Australian society and shows utter contempt for the people of Sunraysia.
Public Transport Users’ Association spokesman Mr Patrick O’Connor said Public Transport Minister’s action of axing the train without notice was “un-Australian”.
“The Vinelander is part of the historic fabric of our society, both as a tourist train and as an economic link between Sunraysia and the rest of Victoria,” Mr O’Connor said.
“For a Minister of the Crown to take such action without notice to the people of Mildura, and the people of Victoria, is beyond contempt.”
STVAG members were stunned by the axing on Sunday because when an STVAG delegation met with Minister Brown last Wednesday he gave them no indication that coaches would take over.
Fr Murphy said STVAG wanted people to evaluate the replacement services and let the community group know in writing to PO Box 930, Mildura 3502.
He urged people who had bought a ticket expecting to travel by train this week to attend Friday’s demonstration in Langtree Mall.
