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Siding opened: 5-3-1979
Siding Closed: Removal completed 27-8-1986. (Last used 9-12-1983)
Distance from Melbourne: 349 miles 39 chains
Construction of a new siding between Irymple and Mildura for placement of a gas tank wagon for discharge of Liquefied Petroleum Gas commenced in November 1978 and the siding was open for traffic on 5-3-1979, secured by a Staff Lock and rodded Catch Points. The siding was 70 metres long with a standing room of 37 metres inside the security gate.
A Hayes derail block was provided and arranged that the security gate could not be opened unless the Hayes derail block was in the off position.
A comprehensive water sprinkler emergency protection system was installed in the secured steel mesh-wire compound.
Construction of the Gas and Fuel Siding commenced on 3-11-1978. The siding, facing down trains, was built opposite the Mildura Stockyards (now Mildura Cement) siding. 3-12-1978. Photo: Bruce McLean
By 31-12-1978 the earthworks and siding for the new Gas & Fuel Siding had been completed. The mainline between Irymple and Mildura intersects the view. The stock loading ramps on the Mildura Stockyard Siding can be seen in the background. Photo: Bruce McLean
The elaborate sprinkler system constructed to protect the rail LPG tanker in the event of any emergency whilst in the compound at the new Gas and Fuel siding, Mildura. Note the Hayes derail block at the security gate. 29-3-1979. Photo: Bruce McLean
VTGX2 LP Gas tanker secured in the Gas and Fuel siding at Mildura on 7-12-1981. Photo: Bruce McLean
VTGX 1 LP Gas bogie tank wagon for transporting Liquefied Petroleum Gas from Geelong to the Gas and Fuel Siding at Mildura. Mildura. 25-10-1980. Photo: Bruce McLean
The last LP gas tanker to Mildura discharged its load on 9-12-1983. It is understood that the high cost of upgrading the terminal at the gas refinery at Geelong was the reason for the demise of rail transportation (despite rail's high safety record) and the transfer of LPG traffic to road transport.
The siding was no longer required, the Annual Maintenance Agreement was cancelled on 26-6-1984 and the points on the main line were spiked normal to prevent operation. Removed of the rail commenced in June 1986 and removal was completed on 27-8-1986.
VTGX2 was both first and last to be unloaded at the Mildura gas siding. This view of the last tanker to Mildura was taken on 9-12-1983. Photo: Bruce McLean
It is difficult to understand why a dangerous product like LP Gas is allowed on public highways when a safer rail transport mode with appropriate infrastructure in place, is closed and dismantled. Such was the case when lifting of the Gas & Fuel siding took place in June 1986 after only four years of use. 14-6-1986. Photo: Bruce McLean
The Gas and Fuel Corporation Liquefied Petroleum Gas siding at Mildura following the removal of the rails and sleepers. 29-8-1986. Photo: Bruce McLean
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