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1995 - 2003 Passenger Services

Woomelang to Mildura

Milestones 1995 - 2003

1995

Although representing a hopeless situation because of the determination of the Liberal government and the seven years bus contracts that replaced "The Vinelander", the Mildura Train Action Group continued its relentless publicity condemning the change.

Between 27-12-1994 and 27-1-1995, the group surveyed 50 people who had travelled overnight by bus to Mildura with only 6% indicating they enjoyed the bus travel.

The Victorian government announced in February 1995 that it was changing the Public Transport Act to enable accredited train operators to run passenger or freight trains in the State, effectively eliminating the V/Line passenger and freight monopoly.

The sale of V/Line tickets at Mildura reverted to Public Transport Commission employees in early 1995, following a period using a former employee as an agent.

The Auditor General reported on 31-5-1995 that the Mildura to Melbourne public transport service had dropped by 61% over the last two financial years. The Auditor-General claimed that savings had been achieved but reduced patronage had dropped revenue by $3 million on the five services that had lost trains. The operators of the regional airlines, Southern Australia and Kendall Airlines, agreed that the slight increase in patronage on their flights was not a result of the axing of "The Vinelander" passenger train service.

1996

On 27-3-1996, it was announced by Sunraysia Tourism and the Mildura Motel's Association, that arrangements had been made for a special train to travel from Melbourne to Mildura on 11-8-1996 and return to Melbourne on 15-8-1996. The passengers would be 200 senior citizens drawn from three metropolitan centres. The special train did not eventuate. It should be noted that the only passenger trains to operate following the demise of "The Vinelander" passenger train service were operated by railway enthusiasts. The details of these train trips are recorded in the section on Railway Enthusiast Specials.

1997

The Mildura Train Action Group used the opportunity of the Mildura Rural City Council elections in March 1997 to call on candidates to "declare their hand" if they supported the return of a train service. Some councillors responded to the call, but it was clear that the issue was final and that only at the cessation of the bus contracts put in place to replace the train would there be a real opportunity to change the mind of the government of the day.

In March 1997, the Member for Mildura, Mr. R. Savage, M.L.A., asked the Minister for Transport, Mr. R. Cooper, to continue a limited train service under the tourism banner. Mr. Cooper refused the request, with the reason that the government was all about saving $5 million a year by not running a service. Mr. Savage was amazed that the government would still hold a hard line view as the loss of the train had also lost the government the safe Liberal seat of Mildura in the last State election.

1998

No Passenger train developments.

1999

On 25-6-1999, the Premier (Mr. J. Kennett) announced that the V/Line Passenger franchise had been awarded to National Express, an international company operating rail, bus, coach and airport businesses in the United Kingdom, Europe, United States of America and Australia. The franchise contract was for a period of ten years and included $158 million to be spent on 58 new high speed trains and $7 million to upgrade the existing fleet and stations.

National Express had also secured a 15 year franchise for Bayside Trains and a 12 year franchise for Swanston Trams. The National Express Group formally took over V/Line Passenger on 29-8-1999.

Mr. R. Savage, Member for Mildura, initially expressed disappointment at the announcement, as he had been hopeful that Freight Victoria may have been able to provide a passenger service in connection with their freight services to Mildura.

The Vice-president of the Public Transport Users Association, Mr. J. McPherson, said that the deal "offers not the slightest suggestion or hope that the government cares about its abandonment of large parts of the State in its provision of quality public transport".

In the lead up to the State election, the political parties were aware of the rail issue in the seat of Mildura and the Shadow Transport Minister, Mr. P. Batchelor, visited the electorate on 8-7-1999. Mr. Batchelor stated that "it was ludicrous that it was a 16 hour return trip to Melbourne for rail freight". He also stated that the condition of the railway line to Melbourne was clearly unacceptable and that the line needed to be brought up to international standards capable of allowing the line to be travelled at 110 kph. Mr. Batchelor said that a passenger train needs to be returned to Mildura "but it needs to be faster than "The Vinelander" with better seating arrangements".

The Liberal/National Party Coalition government was soundly defeated following the election held on 18-9-1999. The election and a subsequent by-election, left the Coalition with 42 seats in the Legislative Assembly and the Labor Party with 43. The other 3 seats were won by independents including Mr. Russell Savage, Member for Mildura, re-elected for a second term. In a position of power to decide the government, the Independents put Labor into power.

In October it was announced by the new owner of V/Line Passenger Service, National Express, that an extensive review of train and bus operations throughout Victoria would be undertaken. The Country Services Review Director, Mr. G. Smithwick, said that the "all embracing" study would also focus on more specific points including the return of passenger rail to cities such as Mildura.

The new Minister for Transport, Mr. P. Batchelor, was reported on 30-10-1999 indicating that he would consider re-opening the passenger service if sufficient interest and support is shown by the Mildura community.

Representatives of regional Victorian councils met in Mildura on 15-11-1999 to discuss the development of a high speed passenger train service between Melbourne and Mildura. Described as a "transport spine" for regional Victoria, the proposed service was planned to run from Melbourne to Bendigo, Swan Hill and Mildura. The concept called for the building of a new railway between Swan Hill and Mildura at an estimated cost of $80 million. Cr. D. McClure of Bendigo advised that discussions had been held with National Express (V/Line) and the regional councils had agreed to fund a feasibility study into the Swan Hill and Mildura connection.

2000

The "political window of opportunity" to get government support for the return of a passenger train to Mildura was not lost on Mr. Savage and his long-standing friend, rail transport activist and historian, Bruce McLean (the author). On 22-12-1999 Mr. Savage formed the Mildura Passenger Train Committee with a cross section of business, tourism, aged care and local government interests with Mr. McLean as chairman.

A survey of community interest groups throughout the local government areas of Mildura, Yarriambiack (Warracknabeal) and Buloke (Donald) quickly established a strong level of support. Mr. Savage privately funded a survey in his electorate and over 4,906 responses were returned with nearly 10,500 people indicating they were potential regular train users.

The Mildura Passenger Train Committee also committed itself to campaign for the upgrading of the line between Ballarat and Mildura to lift the maximum speed for trains from 80 kph to 115 kph. As landlord of the country rail infrastructure, Freight Australia's interest in upgrading tracks used for freight only to passenger speed condition, is a test of the government's power to direct an upgrade of the Mildura line.

The campaign was given a boost when the Minister for Transport (Mr. P. Batchelor) announced on 9-3-2000, the formation of the Mildura Passenger Train Feasibility Study by the Victorian Government. A Community Reference Group was formed and members included Mr. Savage, Mr. McLean, and representatives of the Mildura, Yarriambiack, Buloke and Northern Grampians municipalities. The first meeting was held in Mildura on 17-4-2000.

The Mildura Study was parallel with the separate North West Freight Transport Study.

A second meeting was held on 7-7-2000 with representatives from track consultants Asia Pacific Rail who described their preliminary findings on the status of the track and remaining infrastructure for passenger traffic, and marketing consultants Booz, Allen and Hamilton who described their approach to determining the likely patronage for a passenger train service and service options.

Concurrently, the Premier (Mr. S. Bracks) announced that a feasibility study would be made into the upgrading of rail tracks to Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Traralgon at a cost of $80 million, to enable higher speeds and reduced travelling time. Another $40 million would be spent standardising the rural freight network.

The final meeting of the Mildura Passenger Review Community Reference Group was held in Mildura on 7-8-2000. Mr. W. Lathrop from Asia Pacific Rail Ltd. presented his report the rail and infrastructure and indicated that it would require at least $5 million to bring the track up to the former speed of 80 kph for a loco-hauled passenger train. (He also indicated that goods traffic would be able to maintain 80 kph without any major work.) The majority of the cost would be for replacement sleepers and some areas of ballast renewal. To bring the track up to at least 100/110 kph, would require another $5 million. This indicative cost of $10 million was a small cost when compared with the construction of 2.2 km of the Calder Highway between Mildura and Irymple in 1998 at a cost of $7.1 million.

The prospect of significant freight traffic generated by the discovery and mining of mineral sands in the mallee and south-west New South Wales would also have a bearing on future rail infrastructure decision, particularly conversion to standard gauge for direct access to the Port of Portland for export.

2001

With the 2001 State Budget due to be presented in May, the Mildura Passenger Train Committee issued a Press Release on 31-4-2001 calling on the Minister for Transport (Mr. P. Batchelor) to take urgent action to begin steps to return Mildura's passenger train service. The Chairman, Mr. Bruce McLean, pointed out that the government had all the information it needed to make a decision and the community consultation process had clearly indicated that the community wanted its train back.

"Sunraysia Daily" reported on 5-5-2001 that a study by a group called Environment Victoria also called on the return of a passenger train to Mildura and claimed a faster service could be run twice a day. The group also claimed that tourism development would be facilitated by a fast, frequent public transport network with significant environmental benefits from less car travel.

And then the news came through!!! The Premier of Victoria (Mr. S. Bracks) announced in Ararat on Friday 11 May 2001 that Mildura would get its train back! The Premier also announced that trains would resume on other country lines - Ballarat to Ararat, Sale to Bairnsdale and Cranbourne to Leongatha - all victims of the disastrous Liberal/National Party coalition government cut backs.

It was planned to have the passenger services returned to the Ararat and Bairnsdale lines by mid-2003 and the Mildura and South Gippsland corridors by 2004.

There was also a warning for the Sunraysia community from the Minister for Transport (Mr. P. Batchelor) who said that re-opening the Mildura line to passenger services would be on a "use it or lose it" basis.

The Member for Mildura, Russell Savage, also made the Mildura announcement to the local press at 1 p.m. at Mildura Railway Station in the company of members of the Mildura Passenger Train Committee who had put in a lot of hard work to provide the government with the information it needed to make a decision. The members, Bruce McLean, Chairman; Cr. Ann Cox, Mayor of Mildura Rural City Council; Cr. Sue Nicholls, Mr. Ken Carr, Secretary of Sunraysia Trades Hall Council, Mr. Bruce Bawden, retired stock and station agent, and Mr. Mike Prowse, representing the tourism industry, joined with Mr. Savage in a champagne toast whilst the camera and tape recorders were capturing the excitement of the moment. Radio and television news bulletins throughout the state ran the story and "Sunraysia Daily" on the following day had the headline "Train Set For Return" blazed across the front page.

The front page article in "Sunraysia Daily" on 12-5-2001. Metropolitan and regional newspapers throughout the State carried leading articles on the government's passenger service return announcement. Source: Bruce McLean Collection

"Sunraysia Daily" newsagent's banner proclaiming return of train headline. 12-5-2001. Source: Bruce McLean Collection

Celebrating the announcement at Mildura station that Mildura would have its train service restored in 2004. Left, the author, Bruce McLean (Chairman, Mildura Passenger Train Committee) and Russell Savage, M.L.A. Member for Mildura - long-standing friends with a mutual interest in improving rail transport in the Mallee. 11-5-2001. Photo: Sunraysia Daily

The announcement by the Premier also included that a sum of $7.7 million was being allocated to upgrade the track and signal systems. This amount was consistent with the report on track upgrading requirements by Asia Pacific Rail Ltd. in August 2000.

It was a poignant moment for the Member for Mildura. He stood for parliament over the loss of the Mildura train service and although he was in the fortunate political position where his Independent vote had put the Labor party into power, he wanted the return of the passenger train to be fully justified and supported by the necessary rail infrastructure upgrade that would be required after nearly eight years of railway tracks not being maintained up to passenger train standards. The announcement of the return of the passenger service was critically linked to the State Budget handed down the following Tuesday 15-5-2001.

Media Release issued by the Member for Mildura, Mr. R. Savage, announcing the return of a passenger train service to Mildura. Source: Bruce McLean Collection

The Managing Director of Freight Australia (Mr. M. van Onselen), issued a media release stating that the return of passenger services to the Bairnsdale, Leongatha, Ararat and Mildura lines "can only help the long term viability of rail corridors in Victoria".

The State government announced almost $160 million in freight and passenger rail investments in regional and rural Victoria when it handed down its Budget on 14-5-2001. The biggest beneficiary was the country rail network with more than $96 million for upgrading and converting a significant portion of the State system to standard gauge. In the Mallee, the lines to be converted included Dunolly to Mildura and Yelta, Ouyen to Pinnaroo, Dunolly to Korong Vale, Korong Vale to Kulwin and Korong Vale to Robinvale. Dunolly to Geelong would also be converted to standard gauge giving the Mallee standard gauge connection to the ports of Geelong and Portland.

Map produced by the Weekly Times on 16-5-2001 showing the standard gauge conversion plans provided for in the State government's 2001 Budget announced on 15-5-2001.

The government timetable for standardisation of the north-west lines was as follows:

North Geelong to Mildura and Yelta

Late 2002

Ouyen to Pinnaroo

Late 2002

Dunolly to Korong Vale and Robinvale

Late 2004

Korong Vale to Kulwin

Late 2004

Passenger services would not commence until 2004.

The Minister for Transport (Mr. P. Batchelor), called for tenders to operate the Mildura and South Gippsland rail services on 13-6-2001. The Minister indicated that potential bidders for the franchise operations would be open to new bidders as well as companies that had previously lodged submissions for the operation of services to Warrnambool and Shepparton. Prospective tenderers had to submit their final bids between October and November 2001 with the preferred bidder or bidders announced early in 2002. The successful operator of the franchised services would have to provide new or refurbished rolling stock.

On 15-9-2001, in preparation for the National Express tender bid, Mr. B. Carolan, Commercial Director and Ms. D. O'Brien, Communications Manager - Community Relations, visited Mildura. They met with the author, as Chairman of the Mildura Passenger Train Committee, and later, with the Chief Executive Officer of the Mildura Rural City Council, Mrs. L. Burrows.

As an interesting side line, the Minister for State and Regional Development, Mr. J. Brumby, announced on 4-10-12001 that the State government was granting up to one million dollars to the Mildura airport to assist in plans to boost space at the terminal and accommodate greater passenger traffic.

The Mildura Passenger Train Feasibility Study (part of the government's Review of Country Passenger Rail Services including all coach services that have replaced passenger rail services in the State since 1992) was released in November 2001. The study included an assessment of existing infrastructure and the works needed to reintroduce passenger train services, assessments of the potential passengers and the implications of on-going subsidies.

The consultants appointed by the government to do the study - Booz, Allen and Hamilton - studied the likely patronage and their report showed:

With respect to track infrastructure, the report included:

2002

The Member for Mildura, Mr. R. Savage, released the results of the 2002 Mildura Electorate Survey on 7-1-2002. In relation to the return of a passenger rail service to Sunraysia, the survey showed that 88.2% of residents who responded indicated support for the resumption of the service with 4.7% indicating that they did not support the return of the train and a further 7.1% were undecided. The survey also showed that 77.7% of respondents knew of others who would use the train to travel from Melbourne or other centres to Sunraysia.

In May 2002, the Department of Infrastructure released a brochure on the reintroduction of passenger rail services to Ararat, Bairnsdale, Mildura and South Gippsland (Leongatha) that were closed by the previous Kennett government. The text of the brochure stated that on all four lines, existing bus services would be reviewed and co-ordinated with the rail service.

Cover of brochure for return of passenger services to Ararat, Bairnsdale, Mildura and Leongatha (left) and page with details of the Mildura passenger train return program. Source: Department of Infrastructure

The brochure also suggests that re-introduced stops between Melbourne and Mildura should be Geelong, Ballarat, Maryborough, St. Arnaud, Donald, Birchip, Ouyen and Mildura. These were the preferred stations nominated by the Mildura Passenger Train Committee during discussions with the Department of Infrastructure's Mildura Passenger Review Community Reference Group in 2000.

In an interesting development, the Minister for Transport, Mr. P. Batchelor, announced on 23-8-2002 that the government had commenced exploratory discussions with the operator of V/Line Passenger, National Express, on a new management contract in lieu of the present franchise arrangement. The company could not achieve viability under the privatisation process conducted by the Kennett government.

It was proposed that a management contract would replace the franchise contract and run until 2006, allowing the franchise to be re-tendered on a competitive basis once the Regional Fast Rail Project, the Spencer Street Station Redevelopment, the gauge conversion project and the return of country passenger trains to Ararat, Bairnsdale, Mildura and South Gippsland were completed.

The Minister also stated that it was decided not to enter the final phase of the tender process to appoint an operator to run the Mildura and South Gippsland services but would negotiate with V/Line Passenger to building the new services as part of an integrated statewide rail network.

2002 State Election

A State election was held on 30-11-2002. During the election campaign, the State Liberal Leader, Mr. R. Doyle, gave no guarantee that passenger train services would return to Ararat, Bairnsdale, Leongatha and Mildura saying that the Liberal Party would only consider their return. This was despite the Liberal candidate for Ripon stating earlier in the campaign that a Liberal government was committed to the return of passenger rail services. The Leader also caused embarrassment for the Opposition after Shadow Transport Minister Mr. G. Leigh had announced that the party would reintroduce services to Ararat. Mr. Doyle later did a "back-flip" on the reintroduction of country passenger rail services.

The sitting Independent Member, Mr. R. Savage, reinforced the decision to return the passenger train to Mildura during his campaign. Mr. Savage won the seat by an absolute majority for his third term as the Independent Member for Mallee.

Withdrawal of National Express

The National Express Group, operator of the V/Line regional passenger franchise, withdrew from its train and tram operations in Australia on 16-12-2002 after failure to reach a revised financial arrangement with the government.

The Minister for Transport, Mr. P. Batchelor, indicated that the withdrawal of National Express would have no impact on the planned return of a passenger rail service to Mildura scheduled for 2004. The government assumed operation of the National Express franchises (V/Line, M-Tram and M-Train) from 23-12-2002. At the time of the announcement, the Minister stated that V/Line passenger services were to remain in government management while the government's regional rail projects are completed. The tender process for the Mildura passenger train was therefore cancelled and it would now form part of the overall passenger network.

Election campaign advertisement with return of rail passenger service to Mildura as focus. Source: Bruce McLean Collection

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

Construction work on the Mildura transit exchange commenced during the week commencing 7-10-2002. 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. Mr. P. Gibson, representing station operator, V/Line, said the terminal saw 100 coach movements per week.

Mr. Carli also announced that the passenger train would be returning to Mildura at the end of 2004 on broad gauge following deferment of the government's standard gauge conversion program.

This announcement raised a number of questions including arrangements for upgrading of the line for a less than 6 hours train service on broad gauge and ramifications for the service if a standard gauge upgrade was to follow its introduction.

The completed Mildura station transit interchange. 15-4-2003. Photo: Bruce McLean

On 28-7-2003, the State government Cabinet met in Mildura. The author, in his capacity as Chairman of the Mildura Passenger Train Committee and Mr. R. Savage, Member for Mildura, met with the Minister for Transport, Mr. P. Batchelor, for an hour at the Bendigo Bank Centre. The Minister spoke frankly about the issues facing the government's plans to return a passenger train to Mildura and clearly indicated his desire to see a resumption of services as soon as possible. It was the author's view that the intransient attitude by Freight Australia to issues surrounding gauge standardisation, upgrading of the track for higher freight traffic axle loads and to Class 2 standard for passenger trains, and track access to other rail operators, was stopping opportunities for both freight and passenger rail advancement. The Minister was unable to talk about options to bring these matters to a head due to the confidentiality of his discussions, leaving the question of the return of a passenger train to Mildura in a state of uncertainty until the issues with Freight Australia were resolved with clarity. Other issues discussed included the grain industry's plan for use of the Victorian rail network, the uncertainty of mineral sands mining as a future generator of rail freight and the advantages to the fruit industry of direct traffic to Darwin for Asian markets on standard gauge via Ouyen and Pinnaroo.

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