Re: Ararat BG connections- Lets Standardise instead!

["Grahame Ferguson" <grahamef@users.mcmedia.com.au>]

    If you standardise Gheringhap-Ballarat-Ararat, you provide an alternate
route from Gheringhap to Ararat.  Leave one line Ballarat to Warrenheip
broad gauge to go via Melton for the commuter trains.
    In so doing you can run Adelaide trains westbound via Maroona, and
eastbounds via Ballarat.  This also gives an alternate route if either one
is blocked.
    Keep the safe working as train orders, costing less than ASW or CTC, and
easier for the train controller if trains are all running in the same
direction on different lines.
    The Ballarat to Mildura line can be standardised as it will have access
to Melbourne and the Geelong Grain Terminal.
    Later provision for duplicating Nth Geelong to Gerringhap.
    Then later on consideration can be given to standardising Pinnaroo to
Ouyen, which can tap into the South Australian grain market, and also
provide another alternative standard gauge route to Adelaide from Melbourne.
    Why not keep going:- Mangalore to Tocumwal, recondition Tocumwal to
Narranderra and you tap into the Riverina 'Fruit Bowl'.
This provides another route to Sydney. Perth & Alice Springs(Darwin) can be
reached if Hillston to Roto is reopened.  An inland route to Moree via
Stockingbingal & Dubbo, and who knows Brisbane via Goondawindi in 10 years?
    The message is Standardise in a few strategic places and it will all
fall into place