MILDURA’S isolation and its reliance on services in another state have been accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Member for Mildura Ali Cupper said the closure of Tambray Coaches, which ran a regular coach service between Mildura and Adelaide, showed why there was a need for better public transport connection with Melbourne.

“The COVID-19 pandemic – and especially the border closures – have been a stark reminder of just how much we rely on Adelaide, and South Australia more broadly, for important services and needs,” Ms Cupper said.

“Tambray Coaches having to fold because of the uncertainty around the border closure to SA is tragic. This was a fantastic service and was well supported by our community.

“It comes after Virgin Airline cut its Melbourne-Mildura route while other flight services to both Melbourne and Adelaide have been reduced.”

Ms Cupper said the loss of transport services strengthened the case for passenger rail to be returned to Mildura.

“COVID-19 has shown we can not rely on another state’s capital city because we’ve seen how easily it can be cut off from us,” she said.

“The Victorian Government says it is about to embark on the biggest infrastructure spending blitz in memory, and the return of a passenger rail service to Mildura needs to be canvassed.

“Having a better public transport connection with Melbourne is crucial. We are Victorians too and we need the big parties to step up and recognise our needs.”