News Alert |

City of Ballarat welcomes the announcement that a re-elected State Government will deliver fast rail to Ballarat as part of a major overhaul of the rail network, including planning for the full separation of metro and regional services on the Ballarat line, and electrification of the line to run fast trains. 

Ballarat Mayor, Cr Samantha McIntosh says Ballarat’s continued growth and the increasing number of residents who commute to work by rail make investment of this type essential and welcome.  

“Ballarat welcomes the government’s interest in strengthening regional Victoria's capacity to continue to accommodate accelerated growth. 

"Investment in Victoria's rail infrastructure to make it faster and more efficient is a key to the ongoing growth and prosperity of Regional Victoria. As towns and cities in the western rail corridor continue to grow at a rapid rate it's essential that residents and businesses know that they will have access to regular and reliable fast rail. 

City of Ballarat, and its Ballarat Now and Into the Future (BNIF) partner-organisations have made securing funding for a regional integrated transport package, including a station at Warrenheip, a strategic priority in the lead up to the State election.   

“If delivered this proposal will bring enormous benefits to Ballarat and region. I am pleased the State Government recognises the importance of improved transport connections to the future viability and prosperity of many regional centres.