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Redcliffs

Origin of name: From the nearby Murray River cliffs.

Station opened: 8-8-1920 (Site 1); 11-9-1938 (Site 2)

Distance from Melbourne (via Castlemaine): (Site 1) 342 miles 49 chains 56 links);

(Site 2) 342 miles 32 chains 61 links; 551.051km

Distance from Melbourne (via Ballan): 557.955 km

Height above Sea Level: 224 feet

Note: From 1904 to 1921 the Victorian Railways set about altering the names of stations to eliminate names consisting of two or more words. When Redcliffs was established as a settlement this policy was in place, hence the combination of the two words to become a "single word" station. In accordance with Victorian Railways practice the railway references to Redcliffs are consistent with their policy of the time.

The railway through the site of the present town of Red Cliffs was opened from Yatpool to Mildura on 27-10-1903.

On 6-7-1904 Mildura line residents requested the Railway Commissioners for a temporary Stopping Place at the 105 Mile Railway Camp. (Note that this is a reference to 105 construction miles from Woomelang. With some adjustments for deviations and errors, the site referred to is approximately the site of the present Redcliffs station reserve). On 28-11-1904 the Commissioners asked departmental officers for a plan and estimate for a siding to hold ten trucks and a rail level earth platform at the site. The plan and estimate was approved on 29-12-1904 and instructions were issued to construct the siding on 9-1-1905. There does not appear to be any evidence that the siding was actually constructed.

1902 survey plan of the railway to Mildura showing the location of the future Redcliffs railway station reserve. Source: Bruce McLean Collection

Redcliffs was developed under a soldier settlement scheme following a recommendation made by Mr. A.S. Kenyon, of the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission (SR&WSC). The area acquired for development was 33,000 acres and was part of the initial Mildura Settlement Concession Area that had been made available to the Chaffey Brothers in 1886. By January 1920, surveying had commenced with a township being laid out beside the main railway line from Melbourne. Clearing of the first area, between the railway and the Murray River, began in April 1920. By October 1922, most of the 15,000 acres had been cleared and all blocks had been allocated by 1923.

Redcliffs was originally opened for passengers only by 8-8-1920 as a "nameboard station" with a flag and lamp with the advice that a station would be erected "shortly". The site was most likely at the Fitzroy Avenue level crossing.

A loop siding for the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission was opened on 12-10-1920. Redcliffs at this time was a "no-one-in-charge" station, however a Stationmaster had been appointed by16-8-1921. A six ton crane was installed.

The passenger platform was completed in January 1921. A wooden portable hut for use as a station office and a mallee waiting shed for the travelling public was provided.

Redcliffs station shortly after the high level platform was constructed. A portable station building and mallee shed waiting room were the original amenities provided. Photo: Mildura Historical Society Collection

An additional two-roomed hut for use by the stationmaster and safeworking equipment was relocated from Eversley (between Maryborough and Ararat). One room was for use as sleeping quarters for the Stationmaster, Mr. A.S. Harley, who was transferred permanently from Irymple.

Redcliffs station in 1922. Note the second portable building for use by the Stationmaster Mr. A. Harley as sleeping quarters. Photo: Jack McLean Collection

An open mallee tin shelter was also provided. Tickets were able to be purchased from the station by May 1921 instead of booking from Mildura. About 1,500 people were now living at the settlement.

Dd 959 in the goods siding at Redcliffs on 18-7-1921. The Driver (on engine) is J. O'Leary and the gentleman below him is Stationmaster, Mr. A. Harley. Photo: A.R.H.S. (Victorian Division) Archives

The establishment and rapid growth of Redcliffs as a soldier settlement saw an intense period of railway expansion. The Millewa North railway had been authorised by the parliament and Redcliffs was selected as the junction. Construction of a branch line into this new wheat growing area commenced on 1-6-1922. The new line diverged off the main line at the up end of the station yard. A siding for use by the Railway Construction Branch was built off the new extension at this time.

The junction of the Redcliffs to Meringur and Morkalla branch line following completion of construction. The siding leading to the Redcliffs Co-operative Fruit Co. can be seen leading off the branch line to the right. This photograph would have been taken from the bracket signal post for the main and branch lines. Circa 1925. Photo: Wilf Henty, courtesy John Kiely

The junction for the branch line to Morkalla showing the bracket post with the departure signals for the main line (left) and branch line (right). May 1975. Photo: Bruce McLean

A suburban service between Mildura, Redcliffs and Merbein operated by AEC rail motors, commenced on 28-6-1922. A lightweight turntable, 26 feet in length and specially constructed to reverse a rail motor, was located on an extension constructed at the down end of the railway yards. Prior to the start of the service, Redcliffs was established as a Train Staff and Ticket station on 25-4-1922 with the sections Yatpool - Redcliffs and Redcliffs - Irymple. There were no signals provided.

On or about 4-8-1922, the Construction Branch positioned junction points leading from the main line to the proposed Redcliffs to Millewa North railway. Construction of a crossing loop commenced in October 1922. The loop was built in the position of No.3 road with a space left between the loop and the main line.

In January 1923, railway engineers were in Redcliffs to plan the location of a siding to serve a proposed new packing shed. A co-operative society had been formed and was allocated a block of land on the west of the railway line, being used for the Millewa North railway survey camp. The loop line would be 18 chains long and be located along the rear of the shed.

On 1-3-1923 an interlocking frame was commissioned on the platform and up and down home signals provided, along with an up home signal for the Millewa North branch line (still under construction). The Railway Construction Branch opened the new railway as far as Taparoo (which later became Pirlta) on 15-4-1923 for haulage of goods at owner's risk. An additional portable building for use by the Stationmaster was erected adjoining the original station office in March 1923.

Plans for a new station were advised in April 1923 showing a new site about 200 yards further towards the Melbourne end of the station yard. The plans indicated an island platform with provision for an overhead bridge or a subway, however it was to be many years before a new station was built. (Some materials for the replacement station were stacked in the yard in November 1922).

A 6 tons crane was erected and available for use from June 1923. Chief Commissioner Clapp, during an inspection on 3-9-1923, declared that a suitable residence is to be provided for the Stationmaster.

The years 1924/25 were a period of intense activity as the settlement grew at a rapid rate. In addition to the frequent passenger service provided by the rail motor to Mildura and Merbein, the Redcliffs to Werrimull branch line was officially opened on 11-4-1924. The proposed siding for the new Redcliffs Co-operative Packing Co. shed was constructed off the Werrimull branch line and opened for traffic on 11-6-1924 and on 19-6-1924, a new interlocking frame was commissioned on the platform to operate points and signals.

An I class wagon covered with a tarpaulin stands on the siding established for the Redcliffs Co-operative Dried Fruit Co. on 11-6-1924 where the siding crosses Kauri Street. The Red Sun Packing Co. was strategically located near the railway siding. Photo: Wilf Henty, courtesy John Kiely

Sidings for the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission were constructed at the down end of the station yard, over the Fitzroy Avenue level crossing, and were completed by July 1924. These sidings consisted of two loops connecting to the main line, with a dead end extension off a double crossover at the down end. Each siding could accommodate eight trucks. They served coal discharge facilities and storage bins that connected with a 2 foot gauge railway constructed by the Commission to the Redcliffs Pumping Station three and a half miles away. Work on the SR&WSC line commenced in June 1924 and was completed by 28-7-1924 when the first truckload of coal was taken to the pumps from the broad gauge sidings.

Many tons of firewood in five foot lengths were railed to Redcliffs to feed the boilers at the pumping station. Date unknown, possibly after 1925 when the Construction siding was made available for general traffic use. The wagons at the rear are standing on the Construction siding. Photo: Wilf Henty, courtesy John Kiely

Firewood or trellis posts for vineyards from the Meringur line, at Redcliffs. Circa 1930. Photo: J. Wright Collection

Tenders were called in March 1925 for earthworks for siting a van goods shed and cart dock on the up side of the station office. The 25 feet by 12 feet shed was completed by August 1925.

To overcome traffic congestion with the existing sidings, the siding provided off the Werrimull branch line for use by the Railway Construction Board, was made available for general traffic use in July 1925, however its use was limited due its distance from the station and goods office.

Electric staff safe working commenced between Redcliffs - Irymple on 2-9-1925 and between Carwarp - Redcliffs on 16-12-1925.

A new crossing loop in the position of No.2 road was available for use in February 1928.

An additional portable office was erected in November 1928. "Sunraysia Daily" commented that Redcliffs returned 800 pounds more than Maryborough for the year ended June 1928 and while it was not contended that a similar type of station building to Maryborough was warranted at Redcliffs, something more substantial should be provided.

The small turntable and siding provided for the rail motor service was removed and sent to Tongala, the work being completed on 7-2-1930.

Relaying of the main line with 80 pound rails had advanced to a point between Yatpool and Redcliffs by December 1930. The original 60 pound rails released by the relaying were used for the extension from Meringur to Morkalla, then under construction. Relaying was halted due to the economic depression and did not resume until September 1935.

Fruit growers wait to load their fresh produce into louvre vans at the goods sidings. Circa 1925. Photo: Wilf Henty, courtesy John Kiely

Fruit growers form a line to transfer their fresh produce into louvre vans standing in the siding at Redcliffs. Circa 1925. Photo: Wilf Henty, courtesy John Kiely

Three houses for railway employees were provided near the stationmaster's residence in Kauri Avenue in 1933. The site of the houses required filling to level the ground as soil had been removed from the land to build the formation of the Millewa North branch line. Two of the houses were transferred from Skipton and Underbool in 1933. Another four departmental residences were transferred to Redcliffs from Thurla and Pirlta in 1945, Benetook in 1946 and Merrinee in 1950.

On 17-7-1933 new electric lights installed on the passenger platform were used for the first time. There was also strong agitation during the year to have the station upgraded to reflect the status of the now well-established township. The preferred setting for a new station was at the end of Indi Avenue for both appearance and practical reasons.

Commissioner Harold W. Clapp met with a deputation during his annual inspection tour on 4-3-1935. The Commissioner stated that finance was the problem, but he considered the station should be rebuilt as the outward revenue was equal to that of Castlemaine and Maryborough together.

Replacement of the 60 pounds rails with 80 pound rails resumed in September 1935. Relaying of the Redcliffs yards was undertaken in January 1936.

Mr. A.G. Allnutt M.L.A. advised on 18-8-1937 that approval has been given by the Railway Commissioners for the transfer of the railway station to a site opposite the town square. Mildura Shire Council has undertaken the responsibility for earthworks and removal of trees from the site.

Work on the construction of the new station commenced in January 1938. The new platform was sited opposite the town square about 200 yards towards the Melbourne end of the existing platform. The length of the platform was 130 feet, the station building being relocated from Maroona, south of Ararat. A new cantilever verandah was manufactured at Newport Workshops. A signal bay with interlocking equipment for operation of the points and signals was incorporated into the station building, the installation being undertaken during June 1938. The building also featured a stationmaster's office, parcels office, ladies waiting room, a sheltered waiting recess with seating, sanitary conveniences and a newspaper kiosk. The new station was open for business from 11-9-1938. Filling from the old platform was used to create a new level crossing at the up end of the yard where it passed over the mainline to Melbourne and the branch line to Morkalla. The goods shed and office remained at their original site.

N418 at Redcliffs is about to pick up additional loading for the Morkalla branch line. 4-1-1960. Photo: Peter Charrett

In April 1954 Redcliffs Chamber of Commerce raised concerns with children crossing the railway line at either end of the station. Sometimes there were 70 or more trucks in the yard and they often covered both the "pad" crossings. They decided to request the Commissioners to provide a footbridge over the line. An inspection of the site was made by a Victorian Railways Engineer (Mr. T. Jenkins), the Shire of Mildura Engineer (Mr. M.K.N. Johansen), the Redcliffs Stationmaster (Mr. Gaywood) and President of the Red Cliffs Chamber of Commerce (Mr. J. Grellis) on 7-7-1954. They agreed that any crossing, either overhead or subway, should be at the Melbourne end of the station. In September 1954, the Chamber of Commerce was advised that the Commissioners had refused the request unless outside finance - about 4,500 pounds for a footbridge and 6,000 pounds for a subway - was obtained.

During the Commissioner's tour of inspection at Red Cliffs, the Chairman (Mr. R.G. Wishart) indicated it was policy that the Railway Department was not liable for the expenditure involved in providing an additional crossing.

B63 (left) on the up "Fruit Flier" smashed into stationary B81 on a Mildura-bound goods at 5.45 p.m. on 19-4-1960 at Redcliffs. Refer to details and more photographs in the Accidents and Incidents section. Photo: Barry Kerr, Geoff Pianta Collection

Wagon 4BP was derailed when shunted over the buffers of the SEC siding at Redcliffs on 28-11-1961. As the main line was not affected, re-railing operations did not commence until midday the following day. The SEC Siding was normally used for the unloading of briquettes or oil fuel for the SEC power stations, but as No.2 and No.3 tracks were required for Wirth's Circus special train, all spare wagons were shunted onto this siding.

Complaints by passengers arose in 1963 when they objected to goods being loaded onto the train, hindering their ability to enter into their correct carriage. The situation arose with Melbourne-bound trains at Redcliffs on Sunday nights stopping the goods wagons attached to the front of the train opposite the station building to enable staff to load goods and produce. Passengers found they could only board the train through the front carriages and their complaints arose because they had to walk through the train to get to their reserved seats or sleeper compartments.

Rail Tractor 10RT shunting the yard at Redcliffs. 4-1-1960. Photo: Peter Charrett

During their inspection of Redcliffs station facilities on 29-10-1963, the Chairman of the Railway Commissioners (Mr. E.H. Brownbill) agreed to a request from Mildura Shire Council to approve expenditure for improvements to the station approach.

The Morse Telegraph system was abolished at Redcliffs by 1-4-1969.

The goods yard crane was reduced from 6 to 4 tons lifting capacity by 2-12-1969.

Redcliffs was designated a sleeper purchasing station by 1971. This may have been as a result of the removal of the Mildura wharf line and the establishment of a permanent way camp site in Redcliffs station yard in connection with the track laying program.

A relaying gang comprising 60 men set up camp at Redcliffs in November 1971 to relay the section of track between Hattah and Mildura. Additional temporary tracks were laid into the camp site to stable the special camping carriages. Work was completed during 1972 with replacement of points in 1973.

Flashing lights were installed at the Fitzroy Avenue level crossing on 10-12-1975 and the Down Home signal was converted to a Light signal.

Redcliffs goods yard looking in the Up direction. 5-5-1979. Photo: Bruce McLean

The down end sidings constructed for the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission were transferred to the State Electricity Commission (S.E.C.) by 1975. This siding was abolished on 19-9-1979 and the rails lifted by October 1979.

Dismantling the former State Rivers & Water Supply Commission (later State Electricity Commission) sidings at the down end of Redcliffs station reserve. 6-10-1979. Photo: Bruce McLean

Another view of the S.E.C. siding during dismantling. Note the catch point in the foreground. 6-10-1979. Photo: Bruce McLean

The S.E.C. siding consisted of a long track running parallel to the main line with a loop siding serving the unloading staithe. In this view from the down end, the siding is still intact and can be seen covered by long grass. 6-10-1979. Photo: Bruce McLean

In June 1978, the Victorian Railways Board announced that Mildura was to be established as one of 15 regional freight centres in the state. The Mildura centre would serve Hattah to Merbein, the Meringur line, Robinvale and the non-rail towns of Buronga, Gol Gol and Euston in New South Wales. Concern was expressed by Cr. A. Thomas of Mildura Shire Council that five or six jobs could be lost from Redcliffs. It was reported three months later that four jobs had been lost in the district following the closure of Merbein railway station and scaling down of operations at Redcliffs and Irymple. Redcliffs was reduced by three staff and now comprised the Stationmaster, two station officers and a yard assistant.

Also as a consequence of the opening of the Mildura Freight Centre, tenders were called for the purchase and removal of the goods shed and platform on 11-4-1979. Land fronting Jacaranda Street of approx. 524 metres square was offered to let by public tender on a 45 years lease in May 1979.

The goods shed, office and 6 ton crane at Red Cliffs just after tenders had been called for their removal. 5-5-1979. Photo: Bruce McLean

The 6 ton crane, which had been down rated to 4 tons, was placed out of commission by 3-7-1979.

By 21-12-1979 the 6 ton crane at Redcliffs had been dismantled. The passenger car in the background had suffered from an axle hot box the previous night and had been shunted off "The Vinelander" for repairs. Photo: Bruce McLean

Rail Tractor 20RT standing on the long siding leading to the Redcliffs Co-operative Fruit Co. packing shed. The truck in the background was provided for the track gang based at Redcliffs. 18-8-1979. Photo: Bruce McLean

A program of placing new sleepers in the Meringur line was commenced in August 1980. Here we see wagons loaded with sleepers for discharge along the line and a stockpile of locally cut sleepers in the Redcliffs yard. 2-8-1980. Photo: Bruce McLean

Installation of flashing lights at the Murray Avenue level crossing was completed by 20-8-1981.

Redcliffs station was transferred from Maroona in 1938. 20-1-1980. Photo: Bruce McLean

A classic view of Redcliffs station. The original station site was near the Caltex sign in the background. 20-1-1980. Photo: Bruce McLean

The Construction Siding (to the left) branched off the Meringur line at Redcliffs and was used to stable track machines during the re-sleeping program on the branch line. 21-12-1980. Photo: Bruce McLean

The Construction Siding erected in 1922 for the building of the Morkalla branch line, was used for many years for the storage of mechanised track equipment and from time to time, for the holding of wagons for dried fruit traffic. Following the installation of flashing lights at the Murray Avenue level crossing at the up end of the station yard on 20-8-1981, the Construction Siding was considered redundant as it complicated the installation of level crossing track circuits. The siding was closed and the points removed in August 1981.

The Redcliffs Construction Siding closed for use and the points removed in August 1981. 30-12-1981. Photo: Bruce McLean

Complaints that the station was understaffed were denied by Vicrail following complaints raised in May 1982 by people wishing to purchase tickets during the day who were met by a sign "back in one hour". It was explained that the station had a staff of four of which two worked in the daytime and have to shunt rail trucks. A notice indicating exactly when staff would return was arranged to be displayed.

A fully laden fuel tank wagon was derailed on the main line points at the down end of the yards at 5 a.m. on 21-4-1983 blocking the main line. Passengers on "The Vinelander" were transferred by bus to Mildura to complete their journey. The line was cleared by 11 a.m..

The ramped goods platform was removed by December 1983.

A radio communication repeater tower was installed at the station in early 1984.

Tenders were advertised on 10-5-1986 for the erection and completion of a mobile gang depot and secured yard.

In May 1987, the original concrete platform facing erected in 1938 was replaced by a new concrete and timber face and the coping along the platform edge was replaced.

Work in progress replacing the original concrete platform face (on left) with a new concrete and timber face. The concrete platform coping was also replaced by new timber. Photo: Sunraysia Daily - Bruce McLean Collection

A new transportable works office was located next to the passenger platform at Redcliffs in June 1987. The van goods shed was removed to make way for the office. The office is the base for track maintenance workers. 20-6-1987. Photo: Bruce McLean

Redcliffs station on 20-6-1987. Due to the deterioration of the platform facing and coping, replacement work was under way at the time. Photo: Bruce McLean

Fuel tanker standing on the Ampol siding at Redcliffs. 24-12-1987. Photo: Bruce McLean

There was some excitement at Redcliffs on 19-9-1988 when two escapees from jail at Ararat were recaptured by armed police officers. The escapees had hidden in a loaded ballast wagon destined for discharge on the Yelta line, believing the train was bound for Melbourne. They were noticed by an observant former railway employee who notified the police and station master.

The branch line to Meringur was closed on 9-12-1988. Dismantling of the line was completed by February 1991.

The Up end of Redcliffs showing the point where the Meringur line was dismantled. 11-3-1991. Photo: Bruce McLean

Mildura Shire Council was advised in May 1989 that it was intended to reduce staff numbers to two persons. It was announced in September 1989 that the station would be reduced to a weekday 8a.m. to 5p.m. operation without staff available to attend to night passenger train services. Mildura Shire Council, in opposing the downgrade, claimed that the station sold $100,000 worth of tickets a year, handled 30,000 to 40,000 parcels and $1 million worth of freight.

Redcliffs goods yard was used by T. Gange and Sons for the transfer of briquettes from Morwell to the Mildura Base Hospital boiler house. Three former G/GY wagons were used for briquette storage in the yard. 11-3-1991. Photo: Bruce McLean

The Minister for Transport (Mr. J. Kennan) assured Mildura Shire Council in March 1990 that there were no plans to downgrade the passenger service to Redcliffs or close the station, however in December 1991 it was announced that plans were being made to use the station as a tourist information centre selling souvenirs and local produce when it was vacated by V/line in the following year.

A V/Line maintenance truck was broken into by thieves on 2-9-1991. The thieves took about 30 detonators and set fire to the truck causing about $25,000 damage.

The points to the former Morkalla branch line at Redcliffs on 29-6-1991, prior to their removal. The points were still in use at this time to provide a short head shunt and access to the Redcliffs Co-operative Fruit Company siding. Photo: Bruce McLean

A new set of points were installed off No.2 road and a new connection made with the Redcliffs Co-op siding to provide a longer head shunt and avoid having to use the main line during routine shunting of the yard. 29-6-1991. Photo: Bruce McLean

The completed points off No.2 road and the new connection to the Red Cliffs Co-operative Fruit Company siding. 3-8-1991. Photo: Bruce McLean

Rail tractor RT25 standing on the Red Cliffs Co-operative Fruit Company siding within the station ground. This lengthy siding continued across a street and wended its way between packing shed buildings. 3-8-1991. Photo: Bruce McLean

On Sunday 20-10-1991, the Public Transport Corporation held an Open Day across the State. Free train rides were provided between Mildura and Red Cliffs with trains departing Mildura at 10.45 a.m., 12 noon and 2.30 p.m., and departing Red Cliffs at 11.20 a.m., 2.00 p.m., and 3.00 p.m.. Intending passengers were advised to make bookings and special tickets sponsored by McDonald's fast food chain were available at both Mildura and Red Cliffs stations from 11-10-1991. The special train for the shuttle trips consisted of X42, BZ269, BRS225, BZ270, ACZ251 and N462, the locomotives operating in "push-pull" mode.

The special Open Day train at Redcliffs with X42 preparing to take the lead home. 20-10-1991. Photo: Bruce McLean

Passengers participating in the Public Transport Commission Open Day at Redcliffs. 20-10-1991. Photo: Bruce McLean

V/Line announced in October 1992 that T.J. Gange & Son (freight enquiries) and Plant Elegances (passenger enquiries) would be agents for parcels and freight from 26-10-1992. All other enquiries were to be directed to the Stationmaster at Mildura. The Redcliffs Newsagency took over passenger enquiries in April 1993.

Advertisement from "Sunraysia Daily" 24-10-1992 announcing changes to Red Cliffs passenger and freight operations. Source: Bruce McLean Collection

On 15-4-1993, it was announced that the Redcliffs Newsagency was taking over the V/Line ticket agency.

A new siding was installed for the Aurora Packing Co. in the second week of May 1993. A set of points were located into the Redcliffs Co-operative Fruit Co. siding between the rear of the two packing company sheds. The first use of the siding was on 21-5-1993.

The new points set into the Redcliffs Co-operative Fruit Co. siding to enable a separate siding to be located for the Aurora Packing Company, whose building is on the left. 21-5-1993. Photo: Bruce McLean

The new Aurora siding saw its first wagon on 21-5-1993. Y174 can be seen in the distance shunting wagons at the rear of the Redcliffs Co-operative packing shed. Photo: Bruce McLean

The end of the Redcliffs Co-operative siding was quite some distance from the railway yard and traversed the full length of the rear of the packing shed building. 21-5-1993. Photo: Bruce McLean

Passenger rail services ceased at Redcliffs on 12-9-1993 with the running of the last up "The Vinelander" train.

The Public Transport Commission advertised for registration of interest is use of the station building on 13-8-1993 suggesting that it could be used as a private ticketing agency, commercial and/or community use. Mildura Shire Council applied for and was appointed lessees of the station building and surrounding area for 10 years with an option for a further 10 years. The Shire Secretary (Mr. McMillan) was keen to retain the signal frame and fittings in the signal box in the station building. The first task once in control, was to engage the Redcliffs Tidy Town Committee and Apex Club to repaint the building and sub-lease it. The Committee of Management appointed to manage the facility approved the application by "Kulkyne Creations" to set up a craft business and Tourist Information Centre. The station was open for its new business in November 1993.

Pedestrian crib crossings were installed over the railway line at Murray Avenue and at the northern end of the passenger platform in November 1996.

The introduction of a Superfreighter service from Mildura on 29-6-1993 was further advanced when V/Line commenced an "uninterrupted export cold chain" system at Merbein on 13-8-1993. The new system developed by V/Line was competitively designed to replace road transports which have loaded containers of export table grapes and then raced to Melbourne to "hook up" the containers at shipping terminals before the temperature of the fruit rose to a critical level. Merbein was selected as the centre for this operation with inter-modal deliveries from the Sunraysia area loading specially converted container flat wagons provided with power pack units to maintain fruit within refrigerated containers at a constant temperature.

The withdrawal of Mildura line rail passenger services by the Kennett government on 12-9-1993 diminished the role of Redcliffs station with supervision and goods operations being undertaken by Mildura staff, although this had been the case for some time beforehand.

From 1-3-1996, Wakefield's Transport of Merbein, were contracted by V/Line to supply and pick up containers at packing sheds at Redcliffs, Irymple, Mildura and Merbein, locations where the packing shed companies had their own sidings. The containers are moved by road to Merbein for loading onto rail wagons.

With the loss of dried fruit, fuel and briquette traffic from Red Cliffs, the sidings in the station yard have seen little use and the Red Cliffs Co-operative and Aurora Packing Companies sidings redundant. The Rail Tractor (RT25) was withdrawn in April 1996.

The North West Freight Transport Strategy was released in May 2000. The strategy was drawn up by the Department of Infrastructure in consultation with Vicroads, the Mildura and Swan Hill municipal councils and the North West Municipalities Association.

Priority actions identified that affected Red Cliffs included:

* Standardisation of the north-west rail lines;

* Upgrading the Mildura line to Class 2 for the purpose of passenger rail operation and assess suitability of lifting rail freight train speed limit;

* Mildura Rural City Council to consider Redcliffs inter-modal facility, include in industrial framework and Municipal Strategic Statement and protect access to track;

Strategic actions, in addition to the above included:

* Increase strategic passing loop lengths to permit longer freight trains;

* Protect option for an inter-modal facility at Redcliffs serving bulk loading of mineral sands and containers supplementing the Merbein facility or alternatively, reinstate a spur line between Redcliffs and Thurla along former Morkalla line reservation;

The Minister for Transport, Mr. P. Batchelor, said that the strategy would maximise the use of transport infrastructure already in place in the area. He also stated "by identifying sources of future growth in regional production, the North West Freight Transport Strategy has determined that the area's current rail and road network has ample capacity for projected freight requirements for the next ten years. The strategy identifies initiatives to better use existing infrastructure, by developing new and enhanced inter-modal facilities, removing barriers to the efficient movement of freight, and increasing the use of rail for long distance freight shipments".

Redcliffs station in its role as a V/Line Passenger bus stop and craft and information centre. 18-5-2003. Photo: Bruce McLean

The former parcels office entrance is now the entrance to the craft and information shop. 18-5-2003. Photo: Bruce McLean