AN additional train service is needed along the Warrnambool line due to increased patronage, the state opposition has declared.
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Opposition transport spokesman David Hodgett joined South-West Coast MP Denis Napthine yesterday to discuss the push for a fourth return service, a move championed by the region’s councils.
The Coalition duo met with Great South Coast Group representatives yesterday at Warrnambool City Council chambers to discuss the potential for extra services.
Mr Hodgett said the Coalition took the pledge to the last state election and called on the Andrews government to match the commitment.
“There are more and more passengers using the train service along the Warrnambool line and that’s why we committed to a fourth service at last year’s election,” the deputy Liberal Party leader said.
“We met with the Great South Coast Group and they explained the need for this extra service. The reasons for adding the service are pretty clear and the state government needs to acknowledge that more and more passengers want that service.”
Dr Napthine announced during last year’s election campaign that a re-elected Coalition government would spend $178 million for extra services along the state’s eight long-distance lines.
Then opposition leader Daniel Andrews did not match the commitment at that time.
“We have the capacity here and now for an extra service,” Dr Napthine said.
“When we were in government we established the Warncoort passing loop, which now allows us to have a fourth return service along the Warrnambool line,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Hodgett and Dr Napthine also visited the Port of Portland yesterday to discuss the Coalition’s support for the Murray Basin rail project.
The South-West Coast MP said the port was serviced by a standard gauge rail line from the Wimmera via Hamilton, but only a broad gauge rail service was in place through the Mallee.
“The Murray Basin rail project is something that would be of enormous benefit to the Port of Portland but the state government’s response has been underwhelming,” Dr Napthine said.
“When the Coalition was in government, we committed $220 million towards the project but the Labor government has put forward about a seventh of that figure.”
