[vic]Leongatha rail service review (gov annncmnt)

["andrei" <andrei@ausisp.com>]

found this press release on the government web site:
http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/web_notes/newmedia.nsf/366feaa87308bebf4a25
6811007f839b/c0971dcfa93888194a2568b80013a27a?OpenDocument

media release
FROM THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT

DATE: Tuesday, April 4, 2000


LEONGATHA RAIL SERVICE REVIEW ANNOUNCED

The latest plank in the Bracks Government's Linking Victoria program has
commenced with the establishment of a Community Reference Group to help
review the options for returning rail services between Leongatha and
Melbourne.

The Minister for Transport, Mr Peter Batchelor, said the Government was
meeting its commitment to the people of Gippsland to review the Kennett
Government's closure of the Leongatha passenger rail service in 1993.

"The Leongatha Rail Review will assess the performance of coach services
that have replaced the passenger trains. It will also investigate the impact
on the local economy and the commercial feasibility of returning a passenger
service on the line," said Mr Batchelor.

"The review will also consider the future of rail freight services and
tourist trains on the Leongatha line."

Mr Batchelor has sent letters to the Member for Gippsland West, Ms Susan
Davies, and the South Gippsland Shire Council inviting them to take part in
the Community Reference Group that will also include representatives from
the Department of Infrastructure and the Department of State and Regional
Development.

Rail operators, Freight Australia and National Express, as well as local
community interest groups will also be consulted as part of the review.

"The Government is currently in discussions with the South Gippsland Shire
Council about a possible freight terminal in the area and I have invited the
council to provide details of any other industry groups that may also be
interested in taking part in the rail review," said Mr Batchelor.

Leongatha is one of five country rail services closed by the Kennett
Government that are now being reviewed. The other services are on the
Mildura, Ararat, Bairnsdale and Cobram lines.

"The Bracks Government wants to strengthen the ties between Melbourne and
regional Victoria and generate new opportunities for the growth and
development of the State's regional and rural areas," said Mr Batchelor.

"Through Linking Victoria, the Government plans to work with the private
sector to invest more than $1.5billion in the State's roads, rail and ports
over the next four years."

"The potential reopening of the Leongatha rail line for freight would open
new opportunities for transporting products from the region's building
sands, horticultural and timber industries."

Mr Batchelor praised local MP Susan Davies for her work in campaigning for a
return of rail services to this important region of Victoria.

He said the Kennett Government had failed to understand the importance of
high quality transport services to regional communities.

"The Leongatha Rail Review will include consideration of tourism initiatives
such as the running of steam trains on the line," said Mr Batchelor.

A report on the Leongatha Rail Review is expected to be presented to the
Government by July 2000.