Re: Uncompleted Railways in Victoria

[Phil Carter <carterp@deakin.edu.au>]

Whilst agreeing that the line from Robinvale to Koorakee was closed in
1943 I find it intriguing that for every year from 1943 to 1959 the
Victorian Railways allocated money in their budget to the construction
of the Robinvale to Lette railway. (Refer to the annual Railway Loan
Application bills).

Not much was allocated each year, 500 pounds in 1944, 200 in 1953 and
1000 in 1959. Not all of it was spent either. Of the 1000 pounds
allocated in 1959 only 12 was spent.

The obvious question is, what were they spending the money on? Were they
hoping to re-open the line one day?

Phil Carter.



David Langley wrote:
> 
> David Langley wrote:
> 
> > Roderick Smith wrote:
> >
> > > Yet another worthwhile question.
> > >
> > > Vic: Robinvale - Koorakee;
> >
> > This was opened and operated by the Public Works Dept. between 1932 and 1943.
> > The extension to Lette was never finished.
> 
> Unfortunately I erred in the above information and someone reported me to the
> Victorian Railways Historical Corrections Society, and so they should have, I
> should have referred to the current information on the subject. Below is an
> extract out of the draft of the Victorian stations gazetteer that has been
> compiled in conjunction with the Quail Atlas project.
> 
> Line Robinvale - Koorakee was to be opened on 29Feb1932 but arrangements
> cancelled.
> Line operated by the Railway Construction Branch of the Board of Land and Works
> until closed on 12Feb1943.
> ACU 473.5  Robinvale Wharf Siding. (o:_____19__, c:_____19__)
>  473.6  Murray River rail/road bridge (444m)
> SBC 476.1   53 Euston (c:12Feb1943)
> SBC 487.8   66 Benanee (c:12Feb1943)
> SBC 495.8   65 Koorakee (c:12Feb1943)
> Line beyond Koorakee to Lette never completed.
> 
> David Langley.