Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Darren Chester said it was great to see progress made on the important project for regional Victoria, as reported by The Border Mail last month after the Australian Rail Track Corporation faced questions during Senate Estimates.

A steering committee involving the ARTC, V/Line and the Australian and Victorian governments has been working on how to get the best value for money.

Mr Chester said community engagement was essential to ensure the plan aligned with expectations.

“This report will outline the scope of works to improve the reliability, punctuality and resilience of passenger services between Melbourne and Albury,” he said. 

“Based on the technical assessment, a program of works will be developed that will be peer reviewed and form the basis of community consultation.”

Indi MP Cathy McGowan welcomed the minister’s comments and commitment to ongoing community consultation.

“This is great news for travellers and communities in the rail corridor looking forward to better rail services,” she said.

“I called for a high level committee in May to encourage the decision-makers to work together to deliver the investment.

“The steering committee is an important step towards all the decision-makers working together to deliver effective rail infrastructure investment.”