A statement from Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM about the reinstatement of the Geelong-Ballarat passenger rail line.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Better rail connections are critical to the future of our region, and we need governments and political parties to be thinking well beyond the next election cycle.
The City has made transport a hallmark focus of its advocacy ahead of the Victorian state election, including our call for the Bannockburn-Geelong Passenger Rail Line to support a future population of more than 100,000 people across our northern and western growth areas.
That’s why we welcome the Greens’ commitment to investigate reinstating passenger rail between Geelong and Ballarat, with proposed stops at Bannockburn, Meredith and Elaine.
This aligns strongly with the City’s Priority Projects advocacy, including our call for a new station to service Geelong’s north-western growth area and upgrades to support efficient train movements.
Reconnecting Ballarat and Geelong would strengthen regional links and give communities a faster, more reliable alternative to road travel, while improving access to central Geelong.
The City is seeking bipartisan support for this project, and we look forward to all candidates and parties coming to the table for the transport infrastructure Geelong needs.
Our broader transport priorities also include reinstating the Geelong-Melbourne passenger rail connection via Werribee, the Armstrong Creek Rail Spur and a Geelong-Torquay Rapid Transit Corridor.
Geelong’s growth demands a transport network that is planned for the future, and we want to see strong commitments from all sides.
