THERE’S about another year’s worth of work on the Melbourne to Albury line to combat the mudholes in the track, according to the Regional Development and Infrastructure Minister Warren Truss.
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The Deputy Prime Minister made the comment during his visit to Wod-onga yesterday.
“The Australian Rail Track Corporation has an obligation to get that track up to the standard and maintain it at the standard that it agreed with the Victorian government, which is still the original owner of the track,” Mr Truss said.
“They’re making good progress, but there’s still about another year’s work to go.”
There will be no sweetners for passenger travel on the line, with Mr Truss stating transport was traditionally provided by the state government.
“The fact the Comm-onwealth is committed to providing 80 per cent of funding for regional roads on national highways means the states have freed up funds they can devote to their areas of responsibility, like passenger transport services,” he said.
Member for Indi Cathy McGowan said Mr Truss’ timeline to fix the mudholes did not surprise her.
But on a positive note, she described yesterday’s meeting with Premier Daniel Andrews and V/Line representatives on issues affecting the North East V/Line service as productive.
Ms McGowan travelled on the 6.45am service to Melbourne for the meeting where she said Mr Andrews made “encouraging noise” abut paying attention to the issues.
“Work is being done on a regional development plan for the networks that will look at things like rolling stock and that draft will be ready for (Public Transport Minister) Jacinta Allan in six months,” she said.
Ms McGowan also took the opportunity to talk to commuters on the train.
“There’s a feeling of great affection for the train and commuters want a more timely and comfortable service,” she said.
“Some business people would like the schedule to include a 9am arrival in Melbourne, instead of 10.30am.”
