Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Where Is The Draft Weekend ‘Farce Rail’ Timetable?"Transport Minister Peter Batchelor must explain why V/Line has failed to release its draft weekend ‘Farce Rail’ timetable", Shadow Minister for Transport and Ports, Terry Mulder, said today. By Terry Mulder - 17th May 2006 - Back to News "In February 2003, Peter Batchelor said that new V/Line timetables would be implemented in 2005.
"Although Labor spent $56,000 interviewing 729 West Gippsland and Latrobe Valley motorists and rail users in 2003 at a cost of $78 each, local residents still do not know whether there will be any extra train services on weekends."
Mr Mulder said that the new ‘Farce Rail’ weekday and weekend timetables would not commence on 1 July 2006, the latest revised date.
"Despite the Latrobe Valley’s ‘Farce Rail’ now costing Victorians at least $148.2 million in construction costs, $33.4 million more than the contract price of $114.8 million, the track lessee Pacific National has yet to approve the tracks between Pakenham and Traralgon for a top train speed of 160 kilometres per hour."
Mr Mulder called on Peter Batchelor to release the draft weekend Warragul and Latrobe Valley ‘Farce Rail’ timetable immediately.
"Will it show that there will not be any regularly timetabled express train between Melbourne and Traralgon on weekends?
"Will it also confirm that no weekend train will reach Labor’s revised target train journey time of 95 minutes between Flinders Street station and Traralgon?"
Mr Mulder said that the Gippsland and Latrobe Valley ‘Farce Rail’ project was meant to be completed in July 2004.
"Almost two years later, no VLocity railcar has carried fare-paying passengers at 160kph.
"Many more unexpected bills are yet to be publicly disclosed.
"Peter Batchelor has badly let down residents who live between Pakenham, Warragul and Traralgon", Mr Mulder said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect. - Omeo Justice Precinct draft masterplan unveiled to preserve heritage, enhance community use, and boost economy
Omeo Mountain Bike Park opens December with over 100km of world-class trails, boosting tourism, jobs, and community pride. Final touches, shuttles, and events promise an inclusive, adventure-filled destination. - Latrobe City invites community feedback on draft Streetscape Strategy to enhance town centres until 20 October 2025
Latrobe City Council has released its draft Streetscape Strategy for public feedback, aiming to enhance town aesthetics, accessibility, and sustainability through improved design, maintenance, and consistent public amenities. - Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes. - East Gippsland Shire invites community feedback on draft Open Space Strategy to protect parks, reserves and waterways
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, a long-term plan to improve parks, reserves, trails, and waterways, with consultation open until 1 October 2025. - Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025. - Gippsland’s Great Southern Rail Trail passes charming villages, rolling hills, murals, waterfalls, and welcoming country hospitality
The Great Southern Rail Trail stretches 146 km through Gippsland, linking rolling hills, charming villages, art-filled streets, cider tastings, waterfalls, scenic lookouts, and unforgettable cycling and walking experiences. - Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework. - Melina Bath appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, championing regional lifestyles and economic opportunities
Melina Bath has been appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, pledging to champion outdoor access, community wellbeing, and the vital economic and lifestyle benefits outdoor activities bring to regional Victoria. - Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition. - Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development. - Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project. - Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades. - Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government. - Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland. - Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL. - Wellington Shire Council seeks feedback on the Domestic Animal Management Plan Review until 24 September 2025
Wellington Shire Council's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan outlines priorities for responsible pet ownership, safety, and welfare, inviting community feedback from 28 August to 24 September 2025. - Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October.
|
|
