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.
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