Vic Gov't to reopen passenger lines?

[robann@net-tech.com.au]

Last week's "Weekly Times" carried a front page story which claimed that the
Victorian Government was poised to reopen long closed passenger services to
Bairnsdale, Leongatha and Ararat. It further stated that Mildura was not
included because of excessive cost. Whilst there is probably a sound business
case for Bairnsdale and Ararat, surely it would be very difficult to justify
complete restoration of the Leongatha line, given the comparatively small
population and likely low speed due to South Gippsland's topography? The
relative proximity of the region to Melbourne also negates the chances of
freight traffic returning to Korumburra/Leongatha (even if sand trains resume
to Koala Siding, there would be a long section of line which would have to
justify its existance on passenger services). Maybe the Victorian Government
would be better advised to support the establishment of an intermodal freight
terminal at Leongatha which could give the truckies some real competition?

Robert   


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