<< Back | Home | Site Map
Origin of name: Aboriginal for "sore eyes prevalent" and name of the pastoral run before the establishment of the Mildura Irrigation Settlement.
Station opened: 27-10-1903
Distance from Melbourne (via Castlemaine): 351 miles 26 chains 86 links; 565.419 km
Distance from Melbourne (via Ballan): 572.323 km
Height above Sea Level: 153 feet
The railway from Irymple cuts through the Mildura irrigation settlement on a diagonal line through a grid of fruit blocks and roads creating numerous level crossings. As the railway nears Mildura station, it crosses Seventh Street on a level crossing then passes over Madden Avenue on a bridge. When the railway first opened the line passed under a road bridge leading to the goods yard, however this bridge was replaced in 1973 by a new entrance off T.J. Nihill Memorial Drive (now Hugh King Drive). A pedestrian overpass was built across the railway on the site of the old over-bridge in 1985.
When opened for traffic on 27-10-1903, Mildura consisted of a 200 foot long passenger platform with three portable wooden huts, a shelter shed, ladies yard and 8 foot x 8 foot lamp room. The buildings extended to a length of 75 feet. In an attempt to make the huts more comfortable from the summer heat, verandahs and an additional roof of rubberoid and fibro-cement, 40 feet in length was added over the booking office, in January 1907. There was also a closet and urinal. The platform was fitted with guard fencing. A 20 feet x 12 feet portable building was provided opposite the entrance to the platform and this may have been accommodation for the Stationmaster.
Railway staff at Mildura goods platform with the station office and Coffee Palace in the background. The Coffee Palace became the Grand Hotel. Note the gas lamp at the station entrance facing Langtree Avenue. Photo: Old Post Card, courtesy Mrs. C. Bayliss Collection
About 28-3-1904, Mr. S. Smith, Stationmaster at Mildura, was the recipient of a tricycle, for his use to travel between Mildura and Irymple. (This reference indicates that Mr. Smith may have been the first Stationmaster appointed to Mildura).
Instructions were issued on 9-6-1906 for the erection of a foot warmer plant at Mildura. The plant was in a building erected at the Down end of the platform.
The original station amenities provided at Mildura when the line opened in 1903 were wooden portable buildings. This old post card shows the station prior to 1907. Note the stock loading ramp in the far background. From an Old Post Card: Bruce McLean Collection
The Commissioners announced in May 1909 that Mildura would be getting a new station at a cost of 1,250 pounds. Tenders were called in February 1910 for the erection of a brick building featuring a booking, parcels and telegraph office, general waiting room and ladies waiting room. During April 1910, the portable huts were shifted to the up end of the platform for construction of the new station. The new building was completed and occupied from March 1911. It was constructed by A.G. Plowman at a cost of £1,392.8.4.
Mildura railway station circa 1912 with the station building erected in 1911. Photo: Old Post Card, Mrs. C. Bayliss Collection
Mildura station was completed in 1911. This view is believed to be circa 1914. Note the overbridge to the goods yard and water tower in background. Photo: Bruce McLean Collection
Advertising hoardings were erected along the platform in June 1910. The Victorian Railways chief gardener supervised the planting of over 50 trees and palms in the Mildura railway reserve during August 1911, the forerunner of impressive garden surroundings that have been a feature of Mildura ever since.
In January 1914, the platform was extended by 200 feet to make it 400 feet long.
Mildura station prior to 1916. This view was taken from the road over bridge leading to the goods yard and a popular location for recording the railway history of the station. Photo: Hughes Series Postcard - Bruce McLean Collection
The outwards revenue from Mildura and the nearby stations of Red Cliffs, Irymple and Merbein for the year ending June 1922 was quite substantial and demonstrated the importance of rail as the principal means of transport for the north-west Victorian settlement. The Commissioners' annual report of revenue placed Mildura area stations fourth in ranking behind the provincial centres of Ballarat, Geelong and Bendigo (including their immediate area stations) - a figure that was to be increased dramatically with the introduction of suburban train working in the district.
Mildura became "central station" when Commissioner Harold W. Clapp introduced a motor train service on 26-6-1922. The service consisted of frequent motor and steam trips to the suburbs of Merbein, Irymple and Red Cliffs and was an outstanding success. Full details can be found in the section on the Mildura Suburban Train Service.
A lamp shed, used for the storage of signal lamps and oil, was destroyed by a fire at 7.50 p.m. on Saturday 10-1-1925.
Plans for extensions to the station building were announced in September 1925 in response to the crowded conditions experienced by passengers and staff. Mildura at that time was handling in excess of 70,000 outwards passenger journeys per year including traffic using the local suburban rail motor service. To relieve congestion on Saturday afternoons, an additional ticket window was added. Foundations for the station extension were commenced in April 1926 and the building, which was almost doubled in size, was available for use by July 1926.
Another extension to the passenger platform of 100 feet at the up end was undertaken in early 1927 and additional electric lights installed. In 1928 the timber platform facing was replaced by concrete slabs.
Mildura station circa 1928-29 showing the recently completed extension to the platform at the up end with concrete slabs used for the platform facing. The new station building extension completed in 1926 can also be noted. Photo: Alex Cross Collection
Mildura Brass Band standing on the 1927platform extension. The band was entertaining visitors during "Come to Mildura" in April 1930. Mildura and District Historical Society
By 1928, Mildura was staffed by a Stationmaster, five clerks, five guards, four porters, two operating porters, one labourer, one shedman, a checker and two shunters. In addition, there were drivers, fireman and staff engaged in locomotive maintenance and preparation.
Repainting of the station from brown and fawn to green and cream was carried out in May/June 1937 being the first country station to feature the new color scheme. The goods shed was also painted in the same colors. Garden and rockery landscaping works were established at the entrance to the station in August 1937.
Mildura station in the mid-1930's showing the 1926 extension to the main building (with verandah yet to be extended), the original water tank in the background (removed in 1938), and the heating plant for carriage foot-warmers in the building to the extreme right with a chimney showing. The Austin cars were delivered for motor dealer Mr. J.H. Bayliss. Photo: Mrs. C. Bayliss Collection
Replacement of 60 pounds rails with 80 pounds rails on the main line through Mildura station was undertaken in January 1945. The station platform was subsequently raised six inches to reduce the step between the platform and passenger carriage floors. This work was completed by December 1946.
A 17 feet extension of the station building at the down end was made in 1948 to provide additional room for the parcels office. The platform verandah was most likely extended at this time.
A view of Mildura station from the Seventh Street lawns. Circa 1950's. Photo: Bruce McLean Collection
The hand bell which had signalled the departure of passenger trains was replaced by an electric bell in November 1955.
With the retirement of Stationmaster Mr. S. Gurd, Mildura was downgraded from a Class 1 station to Class 2, effective from 10-8-1964. In January 1969 it was reported that the staff at Mildura numbered 51 employees.
In May 1968 plans were announced to construct a new brick building on the down end of the platform to house an office for the Loco Depot foreman and rooms for drivers and guards. The building was to be located on the site of the former foot warming plant.
The Morse Code system of communication was used throughout the Victorian Railways system for over a century. Soon after World War II the first teleprinters were installed at main country centres and linked with the telecommunication centre in Melbourne. In the intervening years there had been a continuous program of modernisation in communications until was the only centre with Morse equipment and had the last operator trained for the job. Mildura had been particularly difficult for teleprinter installation as there were no trunk telephone circuits that could use modern carrier techniques beyond Maryborough. The new teleprinter had to operate on old Morse lines and to achieve this, special repeaters had to be installed. The final Morse message was sent on 3-3-1969 when a teleprinter was commissioned to take its place.
At 9.57 a.m. the following message was sent from Mildura to Mr. T.A. James, Chief Traffic Manager:
"This is the last message transmitted by Morse from Mildura and brings to an end more than a century of this type of communication. - Stationmaster and staff."
Mr. James then personally sent the following reply to the Stationmaster, Mildura:
"This final message ends the era of Morse telegraphy that has extended over more than 100 years of railways in Victoria. My good wishes go to you and your staff on this historic day."
A few minutes later the first teleprinter message was received from Mildura.
Chief Traffic Manager Mr. T. A. James transmits the last Morse message from his office in Spencer Street, Melbourne to Mildura station. 3-3-1969. Photo: Victorian Railways Neg. No. PR 3146
Mr. G. McCormick at Mildura with the instrument used to transmit the last Morse message sent from Mildura. 3-3-1969. Photo: Victorian Railways Neg. No. PR-3079
The Morse telegraph instrument was presented to the Mildura Arts Centre Rio Vista Museum by the Mildura Stationmaster, Mr. C. Hynes, on 26-9-1969.
On 7-5-1973, the Victorian Railways Commissioners were replaced by the Victorian Railways Board. The Board became the effective governing body of the Victorian Railways from 8-5-1973.
A Telex machine replaced a teleprinter machine in the Mildura station office on 9-7-1974.
Mildura Chamber of Commerce was concerned that the facilities at the station were inadequate. In June 1974 they wrote to the Minister for Transport (Mr. R.Meagher) indicating that the success of "The Vinelander" passenger service and the increase in traffic highlighted the inadequacy of the station buildings. There was only a small waiting room for women and nothing for men. The equipment in the toilets was not of a modern standard and people were required to purchase tickets through a small window whilst standing in a sometimes draughty and wet entrance that became congested when trains were about to leave or had just arrived. The Chamber also considered the platform was not long enough as the train had to be moved to allow passengers to board or alight from the sleeping carriages.
The Minister for Transport announced on 11-10-1974 that a new station building with air conditioning and large passenger reception area would be constructed and the station platform lengthened at the up end by 250 feet (76.2m) to make a total length of 228.6m or 250 yards. The plans also provided for lengthening the goods yard at the up end. The increased popularity of train travel to Mildura as a result of the success of "The Vinelander" was a contributing factor to the decision. Trains of up to seventeen vehicles long were being run with the station platform far too short to allow passengers to board without having to move the train. There was also no public address system to assist railway staff to control passengers boarding.
On 12-4-1976, the trading name of the Victorian Railways Board was changed to "VicRail" and with the new name came a new image, identified with an unusual symbol or "logo" to replace the familiar blue and yellow "VR" in a circle.
Plans for the new station were handed to Mildura City Council representatives on 27-7-1976 during a visit to Mildura by the General Manager of the Victorian Railways, Mr. Hodges. The successful tender was let to the Mildura firm S.J. Weir Pty. Ltd. and work commenced in December 1976.
Workmen have just erected a safety fence on the platform of Mildura station in preparation for the commencement of the construction of a new station building. 15-12-1976. Photo: Bruce McLean
A vacant departmental residence in Seventh Street, adjacent to the station, was used as a temporary parcels office during the construction period.
Departmental residence No. 1826 at 150 Seventh Street, next to the present entrance to the station, was used as a parcels office during the construction of the new station building, from April 1977. Photo: Courtesy Gary Sharman
By May 1977, the new building was well advanced. The roof structure over the waiting area and station office was framed and two large forms of the letter "M" were fitted at each end of the peak of the gable. This aberration by the architect was not well received and was quickly likened to the fast food chain that used the same letter as a marketing symbol. They were removed by October 1977 whilst construction was still in progress.
Lengthening of the station platform commenced in May 1977 along with the major works associated with extending the goods yard. Mildura was a hive of activity of the likes that could only be compared with the original construction of the railway and it clearly showed the government's confidence in Mildura's rail future. The works represented an expenditure of about six hundred thousand dollars.
The old and the new stations during construction. 26-6-1977. Photo: Bruce McLean
The Stationmaster and his staff occupied the new building from 1-9-1977. In this view taken on 11-9-1977, the "M" symbols were still in position. They were removed by 12-10-1977. Photo: Bruce McLean
The last day of use in the old station office was 30-8-1977. First use of the new station building was made on 31-8-1977 when the passenger booking office was opened for business and the Electric Staff Instruments and communications facilities were transferred.
Included in the new air-conditioned complex were automatic entrance doors, foyer and toilets. Work then concentrated on rebuilding the parcels office. A temporary parcels office was located in a railway residence nearby on Seventh Street. Additional car parking was made available in Seventh Street by the removal of three employee residences, two in 1976 and one in 1979.
The completed station on the day of the official opening, 11-4-1978. Photo: Bruce McLean
The new station building was officially opened on Wednesday 11-4-1978 by the Chairman of the Victorian Railways Board (Mr. A. Gibbs) and Mayor of Mildura (Cr. L. Andriske). The gentlemen jointly unveiled a commemorative plaque at 9 p.m. before the departure of "The Vinelander" that night. Prior to the official opening, Mr. Gibbs was host to a select party at dinner on board the "Norman" car placed on the old locomotive depot site near Mildura Arts Centre. Other Vicrail officials played host to civic leaders and special guests (including the author) at a dinner at the Grand Hotel.
The Mayor of the City of Mildura, Cr. L. Andriske, and the Chairman of the Victorian Railways Board, Mr. A. Gibbs, jointly unveil the commemorative plaque on the wall of the new Mildura station building at 9 p.m., prior to the departure of "The Vinelander". 1-4-1978. Photo: Bruce McLean
Plaque commemorating the official opening of the new Mildura station. 11-4-1978. Photo: Bruce McLean
Mildura now had the most modern station building in the State with air conditioning, carpeted floors, automatically operated doors and feature lighting. A Telex system (printed messages sent via a telephone line) allowed communication with booking offices similarly equipped all over Australia. Cr. Andriske noted that it was refreshing to be in an area where a new station complex was being opened instead of one being closed. Apart from stations destroyed by fire, Mildura is remarkable because each station building in its history has been replaced or extended by virtue of the volume of business making the previous facilities inadequate.
Chairman of the Victorian Railways Board, Mr. A. Gibbs, uses a hand lamp to signal the departure of "The Vinelander" from Mildura on the night of 11-4-1978 following the official opening of the new station. The Mildura Stationmaster, Mr. K. Bailey is watching proceedings and ensure that the Chairman returns his hat Photo: Bruce McLean
Special guests at the official opening of the Mildura station were Stationmaster Mr. K. Bailey (left) and retired Stationmaster Mr. S. Gurd, who retired at Mildura in 1962. 11-4-1978. Photo: Bruce McLean
After the opening ceremony, Mr. Gibbs signalled "The Vinelander" off on its overnight journey to Melbourne using a signal lamp. The following day, the Chairman and other Vicrail officials joined about 100 tourists feeding pelicans by the Murray River about 30 metres upstream of the Mildura wharf before departing in the special Board train at 11.30 a.m..
Chairman of the Victorian Railways Board Mr. A. Gibbs (in suit and spectacles) with senior officers and members of the public, watch on as pelicans are fed near Mildura wharf. Photo: Bruce McLean
Work on constructing a car park for rail patrons was halted on 22-12-1980 when VicRail instructed the Mildura City Council to stop work as funds were not available. The car park was being developed on the site of three former departmental residences that had been demolished in 1976 (two) and sold for removal in 1979.
The "VicRail" symbol displayed on the top of the Mildura station building. Photo: Bruce McLean
A computer terminal, linked to a central computer in Melbourne, was installed in May 1981 for rolling stock management. An additional computer to handle passenger bookings was installed in September 1981.
A familiar site late every afternoon at Mildura was the shunting of the CE van and Motorail wagons to the platform for the loading of luggage, parcels and motor vehicles. 23-1-1981. Photo: Bruce McLean
An early retirement plan for employees was introduced by the State Transport Authority in 1983. This history is not intended, nor would it be possible, to cover the personal contributions by railway employees in the north-west of the State, however the early retirement plan highlighted the extensive lengths of service of many employees at Mildura in particular. Mildura had a staff of 80 employees in 1983 and amongst eleven employees to take advantage of the scheme, were Guard, Mr. W. Clohesy after 46 years service, Clerk, Mr. J. Reid after 30 years service, Train Examiner Mr. J. Doherty after 46 years service, and Stationmaster Mr. K. Bailey, who had been at Mildura since 5-4-1971 and completed 37 years service. Mr. Bailey was the longest serving Stationmaster at Mildura and was in charge of many operational changes, the introduction and high patronage years of "The Vinelander", and the redevelopment of the passenger station and yards. He was held in high esteem by his peers, employees and the business and travelling communities for the efficient manner in which he conducted his station. Mr. Bailey's official last day was 20-2-1984.
A small but significant change occurred on 6-3-1985 when the traffic direction on the roadway leading to the station entrance was reversed. Traffic was altered to enter from the Lime Avenue entrance and exit at the Langtree Avenue end. The reason for this change was to avoid the danger to passengers alighting from the V/Line bus outside the station office and waiting area.
On 16-7-1985, a "V/Line" sign was added to the front of the station building replacing the "VicRail" sign on the roof.
A "V/Line" sign was attached to the front of the Mildura station building on 16-7-1985. The former "VicRail" sign on the roof was removed. 17-7-1985. Photo: Bruce McLean
Renovations to the station booking office and relocation of the parcels office were undertaken in June 1987 at a cost of $50,000. A new telephone system with a "PABX" telephone exchange was installed in April 1989.
Transit police (originally known as Railway Investigative Officers), were a familiar presence on Mildura line passenger trains. In 1989 an office was established within the station building under the control of the Mallee Police District and successfully curtailed vandalism and undesirable trouble-makers on trains. Budget constraints with the Police Department resulted in the closure of the office and transfer of detectives in February 1992.
The Mildura Transit Police Station located in the Mildura station building.12-9-1989. Photo: Bruce McLean
In 1988 Mildura City Council found itself locked in battle with the State Transport Authority (STA) over land owned by the railways but used by the municipality under lease conditions. The STA proposed that portions of Mansell Reserve (former locomotive depot), Jaycee Park (railway station reserve) and Seventh Street lawns and gardens (railway station reserve) be sold by tender or public auction. The Transport Ministry would give the council first option to buy the land in accordance with its sale of land policy. Council argued that the people of Mildura already owned the land when it was purchased by the Mildura and Yelta Railway Trust (refer earlier history) in 1901. The government maintained that it held title when the Trust was wound up and all assets were transferred to the Victorian Railways Commissioners on 25-1-1928, and by later legislation vested in the State Transport Authority.
The matter was raised again in May 1990 when the government indicated it was offering the land parcels for sale at market value. A feature of the Seventh Street lawns is the Prince and Princess of Wales fountain, opened by the royal couple in 1985, and claimed by the Public Transport Corporation to be placed illegally despite being sanctioned as an official part of Victoria's 150th anniversary celebrations. Local parliamentarians Mr. C. Bildstien MLA and Mr. K. Wright MLC, together with Mildura City Council mayor Cr. R. Burr and Town Clerk Mr. D. Goss met with Transport Minister P. Spyker on 30-5-1990 proposing that the land be designated crown land and council appointed as a committee of management. The Minister was sympathetic and advised the deputation that the land was safe. A working party comprising representatives of the Transport Ministry, Planning and Urban Growth Ministry, Public Transport Corporation and Mildura City Council was formed to deal specifically with the problem.
Mildura Mayor Cr. R. Burr announced in March 1991 that the Seventh Street lawns and an area of Mansell Reserve had been reclassified as public open space. Land in front of the railway station was not considered surplus and was retained by the Public Transport Commission.
The transition from an historical ticket selling role to a travel agency concept had been taking place within the V/Line passenger service for some years, however it became more apparent in 1992 when advertising in local newspapers promoted Mildura station as "your complete travel specialists with a nationwide computerised reservation network".
Advertisement in "Sunraysia Daily" on 18-3-1992 promoting Mildura railway station travel services. Source: Bruce McLean Collection
In late 1992, V/Line invested in new replacement loading ramps for cars being transported on the Motorail wagons attached to "The Vinelander". The new lower level ramp is seen in position in the view taken at 8.30 p.m. on the longest day of 1992, 21-12-1992 at Mildura station. Photo: Bruce McLean
The Public Transport Corporation offered voluntary redundancy packages to staff at Mildura station in December 1992 as part of a program to reduce the number of operating staff including freight handlers, carriage cleaners, train examiners and station assistants. This co-incided with the announcement on 6-1-1993 that the Mildura line passenger service was to be withdrawn. At the beginning of 1993 staff numbers were 43, but were reduced to about 14 following the end of passenger train services from Mildura on 12-9-1993. The staff whose jobs were no longer required accepted redundancy packages from the Public Transport Commission. These redundancies included the last "official" Stationmaster, Mr. S. Hensgen who completed his railway service on 29-10-1993. His replacement was Mr. J. Hosking as Officer in Charge.
A deserted Mildura station platform with what was to become a familiar scene following the demise of "The Vinelander" passenger train service to Mildura. 28-8-1993. Photo: Bruce McLean
Sunraysia Tourism - a local organisation set up to promote tourism to the region - indicated in August 1993 that it would submit an expression of interest in taking over the V/Line passenger terminal and becoming a State-wide ticketing agency for the Public Transport Corporation.
An advertisement published in "Sunraysia Daily" on 2-10-1993 advised of V/Line ticketing arrangements for Mildura following the withdrawal of passenger train services. Ticket sales and seat reservations could continue to be made at Mildura station, albeit at limited open times, at a number of district agents.
Advertisement indicating ticketing arrangements following cancellation of "The Vinelander" train service. 2-10-1993. Source: Bruce McLean Collection
Tenders were called by the Public Transport Corporation to operate the passenger ticketing facilities at Mildura station. Two tenders were received but difficulties arose over the use of the facilities. A compromise involving Mildura City Council leasing the station and sub-leasing to Sunraysia Tourism and Australian Buslines did not meet the Transport Minister's guidelines and was rejected on 6-10-1993. Council subsequently withdrew its bid. In order to maintain operation of their ticketing service, former Stationmaster Mr. S. Hensgen was engaged by V/Line to operate an interim booking service.
On 15-12-1998, the railway station was expected to become a major focus for regional tourism after a deal was struck between Mildura City Council, Sunraysia Tourism and the Public Transport Corporation to jointly operate the terminal with a rental "that provides incentives to hasten tourist development at the site". Federal funding was sought to redevelop the building into a tourist information centre with bookings, coach depot, cultural and interpretative centre combined, but was rejected in April 1994.
Further problems were encountered with the proposal with the revenue from passenger ticket sales being halved from $1million to $500,000 per annum following the withdrawal of the passenger rail service, resulting in a loss of commission revenue for operating the service, and difficulties with making arrangements for the relocation of railway staff and safeworking equipment within the building.
V/Line passenger staff resumed ticket sales until 31-7-1997 when private contractors Ryan and May commenced operations as V/Line ticketing agents in the terminal building. Modifications to the office accommodation was undertaken to separate operations. The arrangement with Ryan and May was terminated on 16-8-1999 and a former staff member, Miss N. Thornton took over. Later her father, Mr. G. Thornton operated the agency.
Mildura station entrance leading to the booking hall and station platform. 13-2-2002. Photo: BruceMcLean
On 22-3-2002, Mildura station platform was transformed into an "Alfesco café" when nearly 130 people enjoyed a meal called "The Long Lunch". The lunch was part of the Melbourne Wine and Food Festival which had "gone on tour" with more than 20 regional "long lunches" around Victoria. The Mildura Deakin Rotary Club hosted "The Long Lunch" at the station.
With the station building utilised by the V/Line ticket agency, the only operating staff using the station buildings on the platform were Freight Australia crews (four Drivers). Their office was formerly occupied by the Sub-depot Foreman and they have access to toilet/washroom and meeting facilities.
The crew room for Freight Australia drivers, situated on the Mildura passenger platform. 16-3-2002. Photo: Bruce McLean
Development of the railway station as a multi-modal transport terminal was raised in November 1981. In February 1982, a preliminary sketch plan of a proposed coach terminal, prepared by the Railways Construction Property Board, was presented to Mildura City Council. It was emphasised that the development should be one for total transport involving air, rail, taxi and bus and ideally located near the railway station.
Proposed Mildura Transport Centre for Seventh Street, near the station. February 1982. Source: Sunraysia Daily, Bruce McLean Collection
Mildura City Council, in July 1982, agreed to provide $12,500 toward the cost of a feasibility study providing the amount was matched by contributions from district commercial operations.
A working party was formed in October 1986 to investigate the establishment of a bus terminal on V/Line land. The working party comprised representatives from Mildura City Council, V/Line, bus proprietors and tourist associations. The working party would identify and assess the facilities needed for a bus terminal and develop concept plans for the preferred option. Despite a plan for the working party to meet every six weeks, it appears to have just faded away and produced nothing of substance.
In September 1989 another working party was established to investigate and report to council on all aspects of the establishment of a bus terminal in the city area. A representative from V/Line was included with commerce, tourist, coach and municipal representatives. Nothing, as in previous proposals, eventuated.
The withdrawal of rail passenger services to Mildura by the Liberal/National Party government on 12-9-1993 raised the issue again with Mildura City Council voting to make an urgent submission to the Transport Minister (Mr. A. Brown) to transform the railway station into a bus terminal to cater for increasing coach traffic.
An application for a $100,000 funding grant from the Federal government by Sunraysia Tourism to develop the Mildura station as a greeting point, information hub and tourism focus for whole Sunraysia region, was rejected in April 1994.
After the failure of local government to develop the site, Greyhound Pioneer and McCafferty Coaches entered into arrangements with the Public Transport Corporation to use part of the station building as a coach terminal from 6-11-1995. Greyhound Pioneer withdrew in May 1999. McCafferty Coaches also withdraw some time later.
On 12-2-2002, the Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure, Mr. C. Carli, announced funding for a major upgrade of the bus and taxi interchange at Mildura railway station through the State government's "Connecting Transport Services" program.
The front of Mildura station showing the roadway and coach parking area in front of the building. 3-2-2002. Photo: Bruce McLean
The gardens in front of the Mildura station before they were cut back for a wider transport exchange area. Note the palm tree to the right of the photo. This palm was to be removed in the redevelopment of the area. 13-2-2002. Photo: Bruce McLean
On 6-5-2002, V/Line advertised expressions of interest for the operation of the V/Line ticket agency at the station. On 2-6-2002, Mr. E. De Angelis, who also operated the Stawell V/Line agency, commenced as the Mildura agency operator.
Work on the Mildura station transit exchange commenced on 11-9-2002 when a majestic palm tree near the original station entrance was transplanted to be in line with an existing row of palms along Seventh Street. Construction work commenced during the week commencing 7-10-2002.
The ornate steps leading to the Mildura station from the gardens shortly before removal to make way for the transit exchange. 13-10-2002. Photo: Bruce McLean
The scene in front of the station building following removal of the shrubs and rock wall. 15-10-2002. Photo: Bruce McLean
The near-completed construction of the transit interchange with the taxi rank to the right. The coach standing area had yet to be completed on this view taken on 28-3-2003. Photo: Bruce McLean
On 15-4-2003, Mr. C. Carli, Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure, officially opened the Mildura railway station transport interchange. Mr. Carli pointed out that the passenger train service was due to return to Mildura at the end of 2004 and the $200,000 upgrade would make the railway station safer and more accessible. The improvements included a new shelter next to the station building to provide sun protection for bus passengers, new modern seating, defined concrete bus waiting area, upgraded lighting, new signage, footpaths, widening of the roadway, retaining wall construction and new line markings. He also acknowledged a contribution of $35,000 towards 29 new parking bays adjacent to the transport interchange on Seventh Street. Mr. P. Gibson, representing station operator, V/Line, said the terminal saw 100 coach movements per week.
The completed Mildura station transit interchange. 15-4-2003. Photo: Bruce McLean
The Mildura station entrance following adaptation of the frontage into a transport interchange for road coaches and taxis, pending the reintroduction of passenger train services in late 2004. Note the shade-cloth awnings provided for external seating comfort. 15-4-2003. Photo: Bruce McLean
| << Back | Home | Site Map | Copyright © 2003 Bruce McLean, All Rights Reserved |