Victorian Coalition pledges to return passenger trains to Mildura after 33 years

$51.2 million plan would run services to Mildura and Dimboola by mid-2029 if coalition wins state election

By LineZotpaper

Published19 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources2 outlets

The Victorian Liberal National Coalition has promised to restore V/Line passenger trains to Mildura for the first time in more than three decades, announcing a $51.2 million plan to run services to the state's largest regional city without passenger rail by mid-2029 if it wins the state election. The Wimmera Mallee Rail plan would also reintroduce a Dimboola service via Horsham.

The Coalition said passenger services would return to Mildura and Dimboola by mid-2029, with three return services a week on each corridor. The Mildura train would stop at Red Cliffs, Ouyen, Birchip, Donald, St Arnaud and Dunolly before connecting with Melbourne-bound trains at Maryborough. The Dimboola service would stop at Horsham, Murtoa and Stawell before connecting with the wider train network at Ararat.

Mildura is the largest regional city in Victoria without access to passenger rail. Its nearest passenger service is at Swan Hill, two and a half hours away by coach, while the alternative overnight bus to Melbourne also takes about eight hours each way. The announcement follows a decades-long campaign by residents, who currently wait at Mildura's bus station hoping for a seat on a 3:55 am coach to Swan Hill.

Liberal leader Jess Wilson said bringing back passenger rail would give people across the Wimmera and Mallee a more affordable way to travel and stay connected to the rest of Victoria. Nationals member for Mildura Jade Benham said: 'Their voices have been heard and now the Liberals and Nationals have a plan to make it happen.'

The Coalition said its initial investment would fund infrastructure improvements, potential train acquisition and operating costs over four years. Passenger train services between Melbourne and Mildura were axed in 1993 by the former Liberal premier Jeff Kennett.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Mildura has been without passenger rail since 1993, and this promise directly answers a long-running local campaign.
If delivered, the service would replace an eight-hour overnight bus journey or a coach trip to Swan Hill as the main rail option for the region.
The plan gives voters a concrete transport commitment to weigh at the state election.

Background

V/Line passenger services between Melbourne and Mildura were cut in 1993 by the then Liberal premier Jeff Kennett, leaving Mildura as the largest regional city in Victoria without a passenger train service. Residents have relied on coach connections to Swan Hill, two and a half hours away, or on overnight buses that take about eight hours each way. Mildura is a major agricultural centre in the state's northwest, and the region's rail lines were historically important for both passengers and freight.

Key Perspectives

Liberal National Coalition: Liberal leader Jess Wilson argues the restored services would provide a more affordable way to travel and keep the Wimmera and Mallee connected to the rest of Victoria. Nationals member Jade Benham says the voices of local residents have been heard. The plan is costed at $51.2 million over four years, covering infrastructure, possible train acquisition and operating costs.

Mildura and western Victoria residents: The proposal would give the state's largest rail-less city a direct passenger connection again, replacing a 3:55 am coach to Swan Hill as the practical rail access point.

Skeptics and open questions: The promise depends on the Coalition winning government and meeting a mid-2029 timeline. Three return services a week is a limited schedule, and the announced funding covers only four years of operating costs, leaving longer-term questions about the service's viability.

What to Watch

Whether the Coalition releases further detail or independent costings for the infrastructure upgrades.
The outcome of the state election and whether the incoming government honours the commitment.
Any announcements on train procurement and the work needed at the planned stops, including Red Cliffs, Ouyen, Birchip and Donald.

Sources

Victorian Liberal Nationals promise to return V/Line trains to Mildura and Horsham · Just In
Victorian Liberal Nationals promise to return V/Line trains to Mildura and Horsham · Latest business news

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.

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SupportedVictorian Coalition pledges to return passenger trains to Mildura after 33 yearsJust In: “The Victorian Liberal National Coalition has promised to bring passenger train services back to Mildura for the first time in more than 30 years... The former Kennett Liberal government axed Mildura's train service 33 years ago.”
SupportedA $51.2 million plan would run services to Mildura and Dimboola by mid-2029 if the Coalition wins the state electionJust In: “The Coalition said passenger services would return to Mildura and Dimboola by mid-2029 as part of its $51.2 million Wimmera Mallee Rail plan.”
SupportedJade Benham said: 'Their voices have been heard and now the Liberals and Nationals have a plan to make it happen.'Just In: ““Their voices have been heard and now the Liberals and Nationals have a plan to make it happen,” Nationals member for Mildura Jade Benham said.”
SupportedLiberal leader Jess Wilson said bringing back passenger rail would give people a more affordable way to travel and stay connectedJust In: “Liberal leader Jess Wilson said bringing back passenger rail would give people across the Wimmera and Mallee a more-affordable way to travel and stay connected to the rest of Victoria.”
SupportedThere would be three return services a week on each corridorJust In: “The Coalition said there would be three return services a week on each corridor.”
SupportedThe Mildura train would stop at Red Cliffs, Ouyen, Birchip, Donald, St Arnaud and Dunolly, connecting at Maryborough; the Dimboola service would stop at Horsham, Murtoa and Stawell, connecting at AraratJust In: “The Mildura train service would stop at Red Cliffs, Ouyen, Birchip, Donald, St Arnaud and Dunolly before connecting with Melbourne-bound trains at Maryborough. The Dimboola service would stop at Horsham, Murtoa and Stawell, before connecting with the wider train network at Ararat.”
SupportedMildura is the largest regional city in Victoria without access to passenger railJust In: “Mildura remains the largest regional city in the state without access to a passenger rail service.”
SupportedThe nearest passenger service is at Swan Hill, two and a half hours away by coach, and the overnight bus to Melbourne takes about eight hours each wayJust In: “Currently, the nearest passenger train service is based in Swan Hill, two and a half hours away, with passengers required to catch a coach service from Mildura to Swan Hill. Alternatively, residents can take the overnight bus to Melbourne, but both options take about eight hours each way.”
SupportedPassengers wait at Mildura's bus station hoping for a seat on a 3:55 am coach to Swan Hill, after a decades-long campaignJust In: “Passengers wait at the Mildura bus station, hoping to get a seat on a 3:55am coach to Swan Hill.”
SupportedThe initial investment would fund infrastructure improvements, potential train acquisition and operating costs over four yearsJust In: “The coalition said its initial investment would fund infrastructure improvements, potential train acquisition and operating costs over four years.”
SupportedPassenger train services between Melbourne and Mildura were axed in 1993 by the former Liberal premier Jeff KennettJust In: “V/Line train services between Melbourne and Mildura were axed in 1993 by the former Liberal premier Jeff Kennett.”
SupportedThe Wimmera Mallee Rail plan would reintroduce a Dimboola service via HorshamJust In: “The Coalition said passenger services would return to Mildura and Dimboola by mid-2029 as part of its $51.2 million Wimmera Mallee Rail plan.”