Rail Revival Study: Geelong - Ballarat - Bendigo

Cost: $2 million for planning study

What's happening

The Rail Revival Study is progressing and a number of investigations have been undertaken over the last 12 months:

railway station condition inspections
infrastructure assessments
environmental investigations, including geotechnical investigations, flora and fauna, and culture and heritage
engineering designs
rail and bus operation planning
patronage assessments, and
economic assessments

The project team is currently analysing and collating the information from these investigations which will form the basis of the final report. The final study report will consider potential social, economic and environmental impacts of restoration, construction, operations and maintenance of any proposed works along the study route.

The study is expected for completion in 2013.

Study description

The Victorian Government allocated $2 million to examine the long-term feasibility of returning passenger trains between Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo (via Meredith, Maryborough & Castlemaine) – Victoria's second, third and fourth largest cities.

The aim of the study is to investigate:

upgrading the line between Geelong and Ballarat for regular passenger services, and to consider reactivating disused railway stations along the line serving the towns of Bannockburn, Lethbridge, Meredith and Lal Lal
enhanced passenger services between Ballarat and Maryborough
reactivating the line between Maryborough and Castlemaine for regular passenger services, and to consider reactivation of publicly disused railway stations along the line serving the towns of Carisbrook and Newstead
reactivating passing loops
upgrading the line between Castlemaine and Bendigo to remove capacity constraints, and
an upgrade of sections of the corridor to enable high speed running.

This study forms part of the Victorian Government's Transport Solutions framework, which aims to boost the efficiency and productivity of Victorian industry and enhance regional growth.

Rail Revival Study - Scope (PDF, 900 KB)

Study map (PDF, 290 KB)

In undertaking the study, the Victorian Government will reference relevant regional strategic plans developed by local councils and communities. These describe key challenges and priorities for local government and communities in the 'Midland Arc' region (PDF, 275 KB), and include the:

These plans highlight the importance of identifying opportunities within the 'Midland Arc' to manage and facilitate settlement growth and regional development. They also articulate short, medium and longer term priorities to enhance freight and public transport connectivity in this region.

The Victorian Government will continue to work with Infrastructure Australia to progress the Rail Revival Study.

Communication and engagement

It is important that stakeholder and community views are understood as part of the Rail Revival Study..

Consultation with relevant regional councils and peak organisations will also play a vital role in the development of study reports.

For more information, please call Public Transport Victoria on 1800 800 007.

You can provide feedback about the Rail Revival Study by completing an online enquiry form.

Media release

23 August 2011 - Rail Revival Study: Geelong – Ballarat – Bendigo investigations underway