Moorabool council is calling on the state government to fund a business case for more upgrades to the Ballarat rail line.
Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell and chief executive Rob Croxford, both members of the Ballarat Rail Action Committee (BRAC), are among those advocating for improvements.
“The group [BRAC] has a good idea of the needs and challenges along the line, and we have identified the need for a business case for proposed future upgrades,” Cr Tatchell said.
“We would be looking at things such as the electrification to Melton and potentially Bacchus Marsh, quadruple tracks for V/Line and metro trains, and park and ride options at Warrenheip or Wallace.”
A submission is being made to the 2018-19 state budget for a business case on electrification to Melton, Cr Tatchell said.
“This will not only look at the possibility of electrification to Bacchus Marsh/Rowsley but implications for the whole line.
“The metro tunnel needs to be completed in 2024 before electrification will be effective, but planning for this does need to start now.
“What we need is a commitment from the state government for this business case so the future of the line can be developed appropriately and with the best outcomes for our growing communities.”
