Implementation plans > Integrated Transport > Actions > Action 5

Action 5
Improve transport links to regional Victoria

Complete the fast rail projects
Lead agent: DOI
The regional fast rail projects will provide faster and better rail links between Melbourne and Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley in the biggest upgrade of these main regional lines in 120 years. As the centrepiece of Linking Victoria, the project will deliver more frequent, reliable and comfortable services through modern trains operating at speeds of up to 160 kilometres an hour, benefiting all residents and communities along the four rail corridors.

Contracts for the four works packages were awarded in June 2002. More than 500 kilometres of track will be upgraded and modern signalling systems installed. Work started in October 2002 for completion by mid-2005.

Reopen country rail lines
Lead agent: DOI
The reintroduction of country passenger rail services to Ararat, Bairnsdale, Mildura and South Gippsland will improve access to services for more than 200,000 regional Victorians, while also promoting regional development and tourism.

Passenger services will be reintroduced in 2003 and 2004, on completion of works on 700 kilometres of track and other necessary infrastructure, such as the refurbishment of railway stations. Existing bus services on all four lines will be reviewed and coordinated with the rail services. Works required for the four lines include:

• reactivating/upgrading level crossings
• new decking on and refurbishment of bridges
• installation of signalling to control train movements at the crossover of the standard and broad-gauge lines
• modifications to signalling and train control.

Complete high standard road links to provincial cities
Lead agent: VicRoads
Reducing road transport costs between regions and through the transport hub of Melbourne is a key factor in making our export industries globally competitive. Key priorities are to:

• overcome the congestion that hampers freight transport on the outskirts of Melbourne, on the national highways north towards Sydney and west towards Adelaide
• accelerate the completion of efficient and high-standard linkages between Melbourne and the regional centres of Bendigo, Shepparton and the Latrobe Valley.

These projects are of national significance and will provide major economic and social benefits with significant contributions to the national GDP and employment. Funding for these projects (which are Roads of National Importance) has traditionally been provided in part by the Federal Government.