Full-steam ahead for rail advocacy

Published on 24 September 2026

Central Goldfields Shire Council is on board with community efforts to see rail services expand in the region.

Councillors last night passed a motion formally endorsing State Election advocacy to request additional trains between Maryborough and Ballarat; and reinstatement of passenger trains to Mildura.

A report to Council stated that discussions have occurred with stakeholders including the Rail Revival Alliance, Public Transport Users Association (Ballarat branch), the NorthWest Rail Alliance and other local governments.

Acting Mayor, Cr Anna de Villiers, said an online survey in March and April 2026 verified the community’s interest in extra trains and the preferred times.

“There were 221 responses and broad support for extra trains on weekdays, especially a return train from Ballarat in the late afternoon,” Cr de Villiers said.

“It’s important to enable commuting for local residents to travel by train for work and study; attend business, medical and other appointments; and to promote tourism and enhance social connectivity.

“Reinstatement of the Mildura line would re-establish Maryborough as a regional rail hub, bolster tourism and provide a rail transport option for residents of Bealiba and Dunolly.”

The Council is also calling for a review of bus timetables to link with trains at Castlemaine and Ballarat.

Cr de Villiers said efficient and accessible public transport was a key to unlocking residential growth in the Central Goldfields.

“We’ve seen Castlemaine go ahead in leaps and bounds, thanks largely to good transport connections with Bendigo and Melbourne,” she said.

As part of Council’s State Election advocacy, letters have been sent to party leaders, Ministers and Shadow Ministers, and candidates for Ripon.