MEMBER for Mildura Ali Cupper said the state government’s confirmation that “it has no plans to restore the passenger rail service to Mildura” is disappointing but not surprising.
“As I stated in my maiden speech, there are many points of difference between Labor and the Coalition, but in relation to the train, the big parties are in lockstep,” she said.
“It is an indictment on them both.”
The State Government’s latest statement came during a response to an Adjournment Matter, raised by Member for Northern Victoria, Tania Maxwell.
“The public transport minister has this week attempted to justify his party’s decision by saying the Mildura line would require significant upgrades to accommodate passenger rail and ensure that it would have no impact to rail freight traffic,” Ms Cupper said.
“Those matters can be addressed quite easily with the right political will.
“There are 10 major regional Victorian cities and only one without a passenger train connection to Melbourne. That’s us.
“As I’ve said before to the government, and as I will keep saying for as long as it takes, we are Victorians too.
“We need and deserve the same essential public transport services as every other major regional city.
“When I launched my Mind the Gap campaign earlier this year; I made clear how much this issue means to me, both as a State MP and a loyal Mallee girl.
“In the event of a hung parliament, the price of my support for either side would be passenger rail for the people and a new deal for freight.”

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