Transport minister Jacinta Allan confirmed the timing during a briefing in Geelong on Monday morning.

“We're adding an extra train service for the Warrnambool line every weekday, and on Sundays - the first extra services on the Warrnambool line in more than 10 years,” Ms Allan said.

Ms Allan said the community would be consulted over coming months to work out the best time for the services.

The extra services were included in April’s state budget.

Great South Coast Group chairman Colin Ryan described the project as “a start in the improvements”.

“We look forward to more investment in the Warrnambool-Melbourne line service as time progresses – as they are doing everywhere else in the state,” Mr Ryan said.

South West Coast MP Roma Britnell said the project was “not before time”.

“The new return service will be a welcome addition to the Warrnambool line, the region has been asking for it for over a decade,” Ms Britnell said.

Ms Britnell said it was important for the community to speak up to make sure the new service met their needs.

“I encourage everyone who uses the train regularly to have their say during the public consultation process and let the minister know how you would like to see the extra service timetabled,” Ms Britnell said.​