- Minister for Transport Infrastructure
The Victorian Budget 19/20 delivers more funding to improve the reliability of train services for Bendigo locals.
The Andrews Labor Government has allocated $5 million for V/Line to build a new bio-wash facility in the Bendigo Station precinct, which will be used to inspect and clean trains after animal strikes and other incidents.
Currently, there is only one bio-wash facility on the V/Line network and introducing a new one will allow more trains to be washed faster and therefore returned to service sooner. This will result in fewer carriage reductions on peak-hour services across the regional rail network, boosting reliability for passengers.
The project will create 50 jobs during construction, with five to eight ongoing jobs needed to operate the facility.
A metro-style train service is also one step closer for Bendigo line passengers, with the Labor Government investing $49.6 million for work on the line, including three new railway stations in the Victorian Budget 2019/20.
The funding for stage three of the Bendigo Metro will include building new train stations at Goornong, Raywood and Huntly.
It will be delivered as part of the Bendigo Echuca Line Upgrade, also includes a business case for track upgrades between Bendigo and Kyneton to deliver trains every 40 minutes in the off-peak. Planning will also get underway for the reopening of Harcourt Station.
The funding in the Victorian Budget 2019/20 builds on projects already underway to bring better train services to Bendigo, including the $91 million Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade. The Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade will deliver stage two of the Bendigo Metro, with improvements to signalling allowing more frequent services to be introduced between Bendigo, Epsom and Eaglehawk.
Other investments include Bendigo Station's new pedestrian bridge, which was completed in March as part of the upgrades at Bendigo and Eaglehawk stations, giving passengers more accessible and comfortable facilities.
Eaglehawk Station is being upgraded this year, including an extended platform for longer trains, new landscaping, footpaths and a 60-space car park, with accessible parking and pick up and drop off zones.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
"Bendigo is one of Victoria's fastest growing regional cities and we're delivering better stations, more trains and more reliable services for the community."
"We're getting on with building the transport infrastructure the Bendigo community needs to boost reliability and keep our growing city moving."
As noted by Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne
"Our $5 million investment in a new train maintenance facility in Bendigo will help ensure trains can return to the network sooner after receiving urgent maintenance."
As noted by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"Opening new stations at Goornong, Huntly and Raywood will give people living in these areas more options to take public transport closer to home."
