A multimillion-dollar investment in better train services for passengers in Victoria’s south west can now begin, with the Andrews Labor Government receiving funding for the $1.57 billion Regional Rail Revival program.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced that work will soon start on the Warrnambool Line Upgrade to deliver more frequent and reliable train services that would benefit hundreds of passengers each day.
The Warrnambool Line Upgrade will allow for a fifth daily return service between Warrnambool and Melbourne, and help pave the way for VLocity trains to run on the line.
A new crossing loop will make it easier for trains to pass each other, which will help services recover from unexpected delays more quickly.
Safety for motorists and trains will also be improved following upgrades to level crossings between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool. Other improvements include new train stabling facilities at Warrnambool.
The upgraded line will support the local freight industry and allow export products such as meat and dairy to be moved more quickly and reliably to the Port of Melbourne by rail – benefitting the region’s economy.
The $1.57 billion Regional Rail Revival program will create more than 1,000 jobs across the state, boost local economies and deliver opportunities for suppliers.
It will also develop industry skills and ensure local content through the Andrews Labor Government’s Local Jobs First – Victorian Industry Participation Policy.
At least 10 per cent of the program’s total work will be completed by apprentices, trainees or engineering cadets as part of the Major Project Skills Guarantee.
In addition to the Regional Rail Revival program, the Labor Government has invested in more services in the state’s south west, including 12 new services added to the line in January 2017 – the first in a decade. We have also made upgrades to 22 level crossings as part of the Safer Country Crossings Program, as well as plans to boost car parking spaces at Warrnambool station.
Detailed design and planning is already underway on Regional Rail Revival, including the Warrnambool Line Upgrade, with early work to commence in the coming months.
More information about the Regional Rail Revival program is available at regionalrailrevival.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“We’re thrilled the long-awaited Warrnambool Line Upgrade can now begin and passengers can look forward to seeing this investment come to fruition.”
“After three infrastructure Ministers and months of fighting with Canberra – we’re getting on with delivering exactly what passengers on the Warrnambool line need – better train services to get them where they need to go.”
“The Warrnambool Line Upgrade will deliver better train services to get passengers to their destination safer and sooner – whether that’s to work, school, medical appointments or to visit family and friends.”