General News
30 August, 2023
Fast track pleas for passenger rail service
"Return passenger rail to the Wimmera" is the strong message Horsham and district residents have sent Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC). The rail project received 160 votes from people attending a three-day Engagement Expo, run by the council...
"Return passenger rail to the Wimmera" is the strong message Horsham and district residents have sent Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC).
The rail project received 160 votes from people attending a three-day Engagement Expo, run by the council earlier this month in Horsham Town Hall, or voting online.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said the return of rail to the Wimmera was necessary for ongoing regional economic growth and wellbeing of people who relied on public transport for access to medical services and education.
“The first step in this process is a government-funded business case,” Cr Gulline said. “Our community keeps telling us it's a major priority for the region and we'll keep advocating for a business case to finally happen.
"Horsham is a regional centre and access to regular and appropriate public transport is a key component in attracting people."
An alternative truck route and second river crossing in Horsham came in at second place with more than 140 votes. Cr Gulline said a Department of Transport feasibility study to determine an alternate route for heavy vehicle traffic was under way.
HRCC CEO Sunil Bhalla said the study was not to determine a Western Highway bypass route but the best alternate truck route option around Horsham.
He said many heavy vehicles were entering Horsham’s streets via the Western, Wimmera and Henty highways, and this provided challenges for both the trucking industry and residents.
“This study is about looking at possible routes for heavy vehicles, that do not originate or terminate in Horsham, around the city instead of through the centre," Mr Bhalla said.
He said if an alternative truck route was feasible, construction of a second road bridge across the Wimmera River would be needed.
The feasibility study is overdue and currently at the cultural heritage impact assessment stage.
Parking meters, roads and the council's advocacy priorities also generated much discussion at the expo.