Communities in Victoria's west push for return of passenger rail services ahead of state election

For years, residents along the Geelong-Ballarat route, which currently operates only for freight, have sought the return of passenger rail. Their calls have been backed by the Victorian Greens, whose deputy leader and MP for western Victoria, Sarah Mansfield, said “it’s time to open a conversation” about reinstating the service.

“A lot of people actually do travel between the two places, but they have to rely on a car,” Dr Mansfield said. Alternative options are limited: three daily buses between Geelong and Ballarat, or a train into Melbourne first, which she said could take “several hours each way”. “It’s no wonder people end up resorting to using their cars,” she added.

Dr Mansfield said demand is growing as Geelong and Ballarat become more significant economic and educational centres. The Greens hope to connect the route to the existing Maryborough-to-Ballarat line.

In the state’s north-west, Mildura remains the largest regional city without passenger rail access. The nearest train service is in Swan Hill, two and a half hours away, reached by coach from Mildura. An overnight bus to Melbourne also takes about eight hours each way.

Rail Revival Alliance president Noel Laidlaw said the cost of airfares, an aging population and road conditions made public transport the only viable option for many. “If [people] want to go and see grandkids or go to the doctors or whatever, and they’ve got to go to Melbourne, they might not have the $700 to fork out for the flight,” Mr Laidlaw said.

Mildura Rural City Council is one of five councils along the potential Mildura-Maryborough route advocating for the service’s reintroduction. The council said the region faces significant challenges due to the absence of passenger trains, with limited public transport options restricting access to essential services.

Why This Matters

Reinstating passenger rail would improve connectivity for regional Victorians, reducing car dependence and providing affordable travel alternatives.
Both Geelong-Ballarat and Mildura represent long-standing gaps in the network, affecting economic growth, education access, and healthcare for aging populations.
With a state election looming, the push adds transport infrastructure to the political agenda, potentially influencing party platforms.

Background

Victoria’s regional rail network has seen services cut over decades. The Geelong-Ballarat passenger line has been absent for nearly 50 years, while Mildura lost its service in 1993 under the Kennett government. Advocates argue these gaps isolate major regional centres, forcing residents to rely on cars, costly flights, or lengthy bus journeys. Both routes currently support freight, but passenger infrastructure would require significant investment.

Key Perspectives

Victorian Greens (Sarah Mansfield): Supports reinstating the Geelong-Ballarat service, citing growing travel demand and the need to connect economic and educational hubs. Sees it as part of a broader rail revival linking to Maryborough. Rail Revival Alliance (Noel Laidlaw): Highlights the financial and practical burden on Mildura residents, especially the elderly and those needing medical appointments in Melbourne. Argues that buses and flights are inadequate and expensive. Mildura Rural City Council: Leading advocacy among five councils for the Mildura-Maryborough line, emphasising the region’s remoteness and restricted public transport as a barrier to essential services. Critics/Skeptics: No opposition is detailed in the source material; potential challenges include funding, infrastructure cost, and prioritisation against other transport projects.

What to Watch

November state election — whether major parties make commitments to either route.
Advocacy by councils and the Greens to push the issue into campaign debate.
Any feasibility studies or cost estimates that may emerge from government or transport authorities.

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