THE Victorian Government has been urged to return passenger rail to Mildura with a shuttle service to Maryborough giving residents better access to the state’s capital city.
Member for Northern Victoria Tim Quilty said the Mildura to Maryborough service could link up with Melbourne-bound trains on the broad gauge line “a couple of times a week” and be revenue positive in as little as two years.
Mr Quilty told State Parliament this week Mildura residents had been devoid of a minister that cared about the city and only a “modest” upfront investment was needed to implement the passenger rail connection.
The Liberal Democrat member said the only public transport option available for Mildura residents to Melbourne was by bus taking up to nine hours.
“Originally cancelled by the Kennett government, the policy of ‘No trains for you, Mildura’ has been warmly embraced by every government since,” Mr Quilty said.
“The line between Mildura and Maryborough has been converted to standard gauge as part of this government’s failed Murray Basin rail upgrade, while most of the rest of the state, including the line from Maryborough to Melbourne, remains on broad gauge.
“This, of course, is one of the excuses offered for the lack of rail services between Mildura and Melbourne — you would now need two trains; it is too difficult; it is not worth it. Not worth it!
“Regional Victorians hear that from this government all too often.”
Mr Quilty said the Mildura line was already being maintained for freight purposes, so the additional cost of adding passenger services would be marginal.
“You have got $150 billion to spend on rail projects in and around Melbourne, but nothing for the regions,” he said.
“Some people may question why a Liberal Democrat is calling for more government spending on rail.
“However, we believe a Mildura shuttle would not be a drain on the budget while providing much-needed services to our most isolated northern Victorian town.
“This project would mean a lot to residents and Mildura, and the costs of the tickets would cover the cost of the project.
“The only thing we actually need is a minister that cares about Mildura.”
