Central Goldfields Shire Council Mayor, Chris Meddows-Taylor, has applauded the Victorian Government’s announcement of new weekend passenger rail services for the municipality.
He said the added services would boost tourism and support industry recovery from COVID-19.
The four new rail services will bring passengers into Maryborough in the morning and return to Melbourne in the afternoon on weekends, stopping at all stations.
“Clearly these added services will bring a strong boost to tourism and hospitality and support industry recovery which was so badly impacted by COVID-19. Also, residents are already seeing the added flexibility these services will offer in terms of weekend travel to Ballarat and Melbourne,” the Mayor said.
Council staff last week met with officers from the Department of Transport (DOT) to start the detailed planning for the commencement of the new services.
“There was clear understanding about the objectives driving the added services and some discussion on the planning required,” said Mayor Meddows-Taylor.
He said Council lobbied for the activation of the Myki ticketing system and added opening hours for the Ticket office at Maryborough Station.
“We think this added access and flexibility is really important to support the additional services and we know our community is keen for Myki convenience.”
“We also proposed that Government and V/Line marketing resources be engaged to showcase the wonderful attractions of our Shire, region and the key destinations of each station. DOT readily agreed to consider both issues.”
The Mayor said DOT was unable to currently commit to a commencement date but was working towards one.
