The Allan Labor Government is getting regional trains back in service sooner with a new state-of-the-art biowash now open, as work continues on a major upgrade of the South Dynon Train Maintenance Facility.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams this week visited South Dynon to see the new biowash operating and inspect progress on Stage 2 of the $322 million facility upgrade, which will be completed in 2026.
Stage 1 of the upgrade was completed in early 2024 and included improving maintenance roads, upgrading power to the site, new CCTV and lighting to make it safer and new tracks for more efficient train movements.
The biowash is one of two across the regional network and is a critical part of maintenance operations at South Dynon to enable V/Line trains to return to service sooner to run passenger services.
Previously, trains requiring biowashing shared the standard train wash at the South Dynon facility. The new standalone biowash will reduce the time taken to biowash a three-carriage unit, with capacity to wash five trains a day.
Biowash facilities are used to clean trains after animal strikes occur, with V/Line experiencing a higher-than-normal number of animal strikes in recent months, resulting in more trains needing to be bio-washed and in some cases, requiring maintenance due to damage.
The South Dynon Train Maintenance Facility was purpose built in 1961 to service the state's trains and is being upgraded to meet growing demand, as more VLocity trains from this fleet come into service.
Stage 2 of the South Dynon Train Maintenance Facility Upgrade will include a new wastewater treatment plant, upgraded train wash and refueling facilities, track reconfiguration, and new staffing and security infrastructure. An under-floor wheel lathe is also being installed at the Alstom-operated facility to maintain the wheels of V/Line trains.
The Victorian Budget 2025/26 is investing almost $180 million in V/Line maintenance over the next 12 months.
The Labor Government investment will fund maintenance across the network and allow V/Line to continue its programs of major periodic maintenance to ensure the ongoing upkeep of the network so it can deliver safe and reliable services.
As stated by Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams
"We've increased the capacity to wash regional trains at South Dynon and get trains back on track sooner, to ensure V/Line can continue delivering a reliable train service for regional passengers."
"As we continue to bring more trains onto the regional network, it's important that we continue investing in the infrastructure to support that growth."
As stated by Member for Northern Metropolitan Sheena Watt
"The South Dynon Maintenance Facility upgrade is creating hundreds of jobs through construction and it's pleasing to see the project reach a major milestone, with the new biowash beginning to be used."
