Proposal for the Reinstatement of

Passenger Rail Services in Western

Victoria.

November 2017

Proposed by Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd

Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................................2
WIMMERA RAIL SERVICES PTY LTD ..................................................................................................................4
PROPOSAL FROM WIMMERA RAIL SERVICES FOR THE RESUMPTION OF PASSENGER RAIL SERVICES IN
WESTERN VICTORIA. ........................................................................................................................................5
STAGE 1 – RE-INSTATED RAIL SERVICES BETWEEN HORSHAM AND ARARAT (2019) .........................................6
TABLE 1A: PROPOSED TIMETABLE FOR HORSHAM TO SOUTHERN CROSS SERVICES MONDAY TO FRIDAY .................................9
TABLE 1B: PROPOSED TIMETABLE FOR HORSHAM TO SOUTHERN CROSS SERVICES SATURDAY ..............................................9
TABLE 1C: PROPOSED TIMETABLE FOR HORSHAM TO SOUTHERN CROSS SERVICES SUNDAY ............................................... 10
TABLE 2A: PROPOSED TIMETABLE FOR SOUTHERN CROSS TO HORSHAM SERVICES MONDAY TO FRIDAY ............................... 10
TABLE 2B: PROPOSED TIMETABLE FOR SOUTHERN CROSS TO HORSHAM SERVICES SATURDAY ............................................ 11
TABLE 2C: PROPOSED TIMETABLE FOR SOUTHERN CROSS TO HORSHAM SERVICES SUNDAY ............................................... 11
TABLE 2A: CURRENT TIMETABLE FOR HORSHAM TO SOUTHERN CROSS SERVICES MONDAY TO FRIDAY ................................. 12
TABLE 2B: CURRENT TIMETABLE FOR HORSHAM TO SOUTHERN CROSS SERVICES SATURDAY .............................................. 13
TABLE 2C: CURRENT TIMETABLE FOR HORSHAM TO SOUTHERN CROSS SERVICES SUNDAY ................................................. 13
TABLE 3A: CURRENT TIMETABLE FOR SOUTHERN CROSS TO HORSHAM SERVICES MONDAY TO FRIDAY ................................. 14
TABLE 3B: CURRENT TIMETABLE FOR SOUTHERN CROSS TO HORSHAM SERVICES SATURDAY .............................................. 14
TABLE 3C: CURRENT TIMETABLE FOR SOUTHERN CROSS TO HORSHAM SERVICES SUNDAY ................................................. 15
STAGE 2 – STANDARDISATION OF THE EXISTING RAIL LINE BETWEEN ARARAT AND BALLARAT ALLOWING
FOR THE SEAMLESS DIRECT PASSENGER RAIL CONNECTION BETWEEN HORSHAM AND BALLARAT (2020) .... 16
TABLE 4A: PROPOSED TIMETABLE FOR HORSHAM TO SOUTHERN CROSS SERVICES MONDAY TO FRIDAY ............................... 17
TABLE 4B: PROPOSED TIMETABLE FOR HORSHAM TO SOUTHERN CROSS SERVICES SATURDAY ............................................ 18
TABLE 4C: PROPOSED TIMETABLE FOR HORSHAM TO SOUTHERN CROSS SERVICES SUNDAY ............................................... 18
TABLE 5A: PROPOSED TIMETABLE FOR SOUTHERN CROSS TO HORSHAM SERVICES MONDAY TO FRIDAY ............................... 19
TABLE 5B: PROPOSED TIMETABLE FOR SOUTHERN CROSS TO HORSHAM SERVICES SATURDAY ............................................ 19
TABLE 5C: PROPOSED TIMETABLE FOR SOUTHERN CROSS TO HORSHAM SERVICES SUNDAY ............................................... 20
DIAGRAM 1: PROPOSED TRACK AND GAUGE CONFIGURATION IN THE BALLARAT AREA ...................................................... 21
STAGE 3A – UPGRADE OF SIGNALLING INFRASTRUCTURE BETWEEN BALLARAT AND ARARAT (OPTIONAL -
2022).............................................................................................................................................................. 22
STAGE 3B – UPGRADE OF RAIL LINE INFRASTRUCTURE BETWEEN HORSHAM AND ARARAT (OPTIONAL -
2022).............................................................................................................................................................. 23
TABLE 6 – LEVEL CROSSING STATUS – ARARAT TO HORSHAM AS AT OCTOBER 2017 ....................................................... 24
ROLLING STOCK CONSIDERATIONS TO SUIT INFRASTRUCTURE ...................................................................... 25
MAINTENANCE OF ROLLING STOCK................................................................................................................ 26
PROJECTED INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT .................................................................................................. 27
IMPROVEMENTS TO SUPPORT SERVICES 2019 TO 2020 (STAGE 1) ........................................................................................ 27
IMPROVEMENTS TO SUPPORT SERVICES 2020 TO 2021 (STAGE 2) ........................................................................................ 27
IMPROVEMENTS TO SUPPORT SERVICES 2024 TO 2025 (STAGE 3A) ...................................................................................... 28
IMPROVEMENTS TO SUPPORT SERVICES 2024 TO 2025 (STAGE 3B) ...................................................................................... 28
TOTAL INVESTMENT ACROSS ALL STAGES .............................................................................................................. 28
UPGRADE OF RAIL LINE INFRASTRUCTURE BETWEEN HAMILTON AND ARARAT WITH RE-INSTATED
PASSENGER RAIL SERVICES BETWEEN HAMILTON AND ARARAT. ................................................................... 29
TABLE 7A: CURRENT TIMETABLE FOR HAMILTON TO MELBOURNE & RETURN SERVICES MONDAY TO FRIDAY ........................ 30
TABLE 7B: CURRENT TIMETABLE FOR HAMILTON TO MELBOURNE & RETURN SERVICES WEEKENDS .................................... 30
BENEFITS FROM THE RE-INSTATEMENT OF PASSENGER RAIL SERVICES TO THE REGION ................................ 31
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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
 EMPLOYMENT ................................................................................................................................................. 31
ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES ................................................................................................................................ 34
ACCESS TO E DUCATION O PPORTUNITIES .................................................................................................................... 35
TABLE 8: EXAMPLES OF JOURNEY TIMES (EACH WAY) FOR A TERTIARY STUDENT FROM THE MAJOR TOWNS IN THE REGION ..... 36
BETTER UTILISATION OF L OCALISED PUBLIC TRANSPORT .................................................................................................. 37
ACCESS TO TOURIST DESTINATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 37
POPULATION FOR TOWNS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RAIL CORRIDOR .............................................................. 38
TABLE 9: POPULATION OF MAJOR TOWNS SERVICED BY THE RAIL CORRIDOR ................................................................. 39
COMPARISON OF TRAVEL TIMES FOR TOWNS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RAIL CORRIDOR ................................ 39
TABLE10: COMPARISON OF TRAVEL TIMES BETWEEN PUBLIC TRANSPORT & CAR ........................................................... 40

Page 3 of 40
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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd
Wimmera Rail Services’ (WRS) vision is to connect rural communities through a
modern, world-class passenger rail service with the purpose of providing a safe,
reliable, on-time, value for money and customer focussed passenger service that
benefits the community and is integrated with other local public transport operations.

We are passionate about driving a culture that puts the customer at the centre of
everything we do. Our employees have a proud tradition of taking passengers on
holidays, to visit friends and family or to vital medical appointments utilising the
Australian rail network.

Wimmera Rail Services believe public transport plays an important part in how
regional communities come to life. We understand that our public transport network
influences our families, friends and future generations in where they live, work and
play.

Our focus is to provide an integrated service for customers in Western Victoria

travelling short as well as longer distances who need comfortable and reliable trains
with on-board facilities. We believe that fast, reliable passenger rail networks support
and grow the economic development of all regions that they service.

We will do our very best to make sure that the services that we offer are reliable and
that we offer our passengers a comfortable journey whenever they travel with us. We
take pride in providing our passengers with a safe and clean environment accessible
to all.

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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
Proposal from Wimmera Rail Services for the resumption
of passenger rail services in Western Victoria.
Wimmera Rail Services is proposing that passenger rail services be re-instated on a
daily basis between Horsham and Ararat before ultimately being connected on a
direct service through to Ballarat. As part of the proposal the re-instated passenger
service would also stop at the township of Stawell.

Currently passenger services are operated by a mixture of coach and train with
travel times between Horsham and Southern Cross varying from 4 to 5 hours in
length and requiring a number of service changes. Re-instating passenger rail
services between Ararat and Horsham to align with the 5 current V/Line train
services that terminate at Ararat has the ability to cut travel times to under 4 hours
and allows for the changing of service once, initially in Ararat. The timing of the
services also allows for passengers to arrive in Melbourne on the first service before
9am and return on the last service after 6pm on weekdays.

Due to the scope of capital works that are required and to allow for the re-
instatement of passenger rail services in a timely fashion Wimmera Rail Services is
proposing that the project be undertaken in stages consisting of the following;
Stage 1 – Horsham to Ararat rail passenger service re-instated;
Stage 2 – Standardisation of the existing rail line between Ararat and Ballarat
allowing for a single passenger rail connection between Horsham and
Ballarat;
Stage 3 – Upgrade of rail line infrastructure between Horsham and Ballarat to allow
for fast passenger train services up to 160km/h.

Wimmera Rail Services also has the capability to operate re-instated passenger rail
services between Ararat and Hamilton. Should it be decided at any stage in the
future to re-instate passenger rail services to Hamilton from Ararat Wimmera Rail
Services stands ready to provide these services and for the sake of this proposal has

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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
outlined what would be required. Hamilton services, if restored, could also service
Willaura, Glenthompson and Dunkeld.

In order to re-instate passenger rail Wimmera Rail Services is proposing that

standard gauge rolling stock initially consisting of 2 car diesel multiple units (DMU)
be utilised due to their reliability, speed of service as well as the fact that they are
scalable to patronage growth requirements. The DMU rolling stock will be used
exclusively between Horsham to Ararat for stage 1 before then continuing through to
Ballarat after stage 2 is completed.

Wimmera Rail Services believes that utilising exclusive rolling stock for this section
of track is the most economic means of providing passenger services between
Ballarat and Horsham over time and also allows for existing VLocity V/Line DMU
rolling stock configured to broad gauge specifications to be deployed to existing
V/Line routes where patronage has grown in excess of 88% during the period 2007
to 20151.

The use of standard gauge configured DMU rolling stock also minimises the capital
costs associated with rail gauge changes as well as signalling and level crossing
upgrades across the life of the proposal.

Stage 1 – Re-instated Rail Services Between Horsham and

Ararat (2019)
Stage 1 consists of five return train services per day between Horsham and Ararat
conveniently timed to allow for interconnection with existing V/Line passenger
services at Ararat. The timing of these services caters for passengers travelling for
business purposes or other requirements to depart at convenient times spread

1
Victorian Auditor General’s Office – V/Line Passenger Services, August 2017
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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
throughout the day to arrive in either Melbourne or another destination prior to
Melbourne in a timely manner.

Wimmera Rail Services is proposing that stage 1 rail services between Horsham and
Ararat be serviced using new 2 car diesel multiple unit (DMU) rolling stock built to
standard gauge specifications. These proposed DMU rolling stock will be future
proofed by have the capability of running at speeds of up to 160km/h but will be
limited to running at reduced safe speeds of up to 115km/h due to the existing rail
infrastructure for this section of track. The benefits provided in doing this would be
that there is no requirement of upgrading of the existing rail infrastructure on this
section of line while still allowing for the timely implementation of passenger
movements.

The DMU rolling stock would consist of two carriage units, each with seating capacity
for 120 passengers and provide for the ability to add an additional carriage where
necessary in the future. They also allow for the coupling of multiple units where
required to allow for 240 passengers to be catered for as each unit is self-propelled
and capable of being operated by one driver.

DMU rolling stock comprising self-propelled vehicles in units of 2 carriages allow for
the comfortable fast movement off passengers in a modern environment while
having no need for a separate locomotive. It also permits passenger capacity to be
matched to demand, and for trains to be split and joined on-route if and where
required, for instance between Ararat and Ballarat as patronage grows. It is not
necessary to match the power available to the size and weight of the train, as each
unit is capable of propelling itself. As units are added, the power available to move
the train increases by the necessary amount.

While the DMU rolling stock proposed in stage 1 will have the capability to operate at
higher speeds the proposal put forward by Wimmera Rail Services in running at
speeds limited to a maximum of 115km/h eradicates the need to immediately

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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
upgrade the rail line infrastructure which includes level crossings, signalling capacity
as well as train oversight safety mechanisms. The capital works to upgrade the
section of track between Ararat and Horsham is projected to exceed $80 million and
has been taken into consideration as part of stage 3B of this proposal. The delaying
of these works allows for passenger rail to commence much sooner on this corridor.

The current rail line from Ararat to Horsham is 116km in length and is managed by
the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC). It is currently rated to 115km/h for
passenger services and is utilised by 5 scheduled freight movements per day in each
direction as well as the twice weekly overland passenger service between Melbourne
and Adelaide.2 The section has sufficient crossing loops for trains to safely pass
each other at Pyrenees, Great Western, Deep Lead, Lubeck, Murtoa and Horsham
and signalling on the line is controlled remotely from Adelaide. Taking into account of
these current services there is sufficient capacity to commence 5 return services per
day with no rail line infrastructure upgrades required.

Examples of the proposed departure and arrival times for Stage 1 services along
with travel times between Horsham and Southern Cross Station in Melbourne with
services co-existing with V/Line trains from Ararat to Southern Cross stations is
indicated below. This is in line with the V/Line timetable as at September 2017.

2 Grampians and Barwon South West Passenger Services Cost & Feasibility Study, Page 79

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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
Table 1A: Proposed Timetable for Horsham to Southern Cross services
Monday to Friday

Horsham to Southern Cross Station – Monday to Friday

Depart Ararat Arrive Travel

Depart Arrive Depart
Arrive Ararat (Existing Southern Time
Horsham Ballarat Ballarat
V/Line) Cross (Hrs/Mins)

4.55am 6.10am 6.18am 7.09am 7.21am 8.36am 3.41

5.50am 7.05am 7.15am 8.06am 8.18am 9.39am 3.49

11.01am 12.16pm 12.26pm 1.16pm 1.18pm 2.40pm 3.40

1.24pm 2.39pm 2.49pm 3.40pm 3.52pm 5.16pm 3.52

3.24pm 4.39pm 4.49pm 5.41pm 6.01pm 7.27pm 3.57

Table 1B: Proposed Timetable for Horsham to Southern Cross services

Saturday

Horsham to Southern Cross Station – Saturday

Depart Ararat Arrive
Depart Arrive Arrive Depart Travel Time
(Existing Southern
Horsham Ararat Ballarat Ballarat (Hrs/Mins)
V/Line) Cross

5.50am 7.05am 7.15am 8.06am 8.18am 9.40am 3.50

9.43am 10.58am 11.08am 12.06pm 12.18pm 1.40pm 3.57

2.45pm 4.00pm 4.10pm 5.01pm 5.13pm 6.40pm 3.55

Page 9 of 40
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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
Table 1C: Proposed Timetable for Horsham to Southern Cross services
Sunday

Horsham to Southern Cross Station – Sunday

Depart Ararat Arrive
Depart Arrive Arrive Depart Travel Time
(Existing Southern
Horsham Ararat Ballarat Ballarat (Hrs/Mins)
V/Line) Cross

6.50am 8.05am 8.15am 9.06am 9.18am 10.40am 3.50

9.50am 11.05am 11.15am 12.06pm 12.18pm 1.40pm 3.50

2.45pm 4.00pm 4.10pm 5.01pm 5.13pm 6.40pm 3.55

Table 2A: Proposed Timetable for Southern Cross to Horsham services

Monday to Friday

Southern Cross Station to Horsham– Monday to Friday

Depart Arrive Ararat Travel

Arrive Depart Arrive
Southern (Existing Depart Ararat Time
Ballarat Ballarat Horsham
Cross V/Line) (Hrs/Mins)

7.38am 8.53am 1.15

8.16am 9.39am 9.42am 10.39am 10.49am 12.04pm 3.48

12.16pm 1.39pm 1.42pm 2.39pm 2.49pm 4.04pm 3.48

2.16pm 3.39pm 3.42pm 4.39pm 4.49pm 6.04pm 3.48

6.23pm 7.33pm 7.36pm 8.33pm 8.43pm 9.58pm 3.45

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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
Table 2B: Proposed Timetable for Southern Cross to Horsham services
Saturday

Southern Cross Station to Horsham – Saturday

Arrive
Depart
Arrive Depart Ararat Depart Arrive Travel Time
Southern
Ballarat Ballarat (Existing Ararat Horsham (Hrs/Mins)
Cross
V/Line)

8.16am 9.40am 9.45am 10.41am 10.51am 12.06pm 3.50

12.16pm 1.40pm 1.43pm 2.39pm 2.49pm 4.04pm 3.48

6.16pm 7.35pm 7.40pm 8.36pm 8.46pm 10.01pm 3.45

Table 2C: Proposed Timetable for Southern Cross to Horsham services

Sunday

Southern Cross Station to Horsham – Sunday

Arrive
Depart
Arrive Depart Ararat Depart Arrive Travel Time
Southern
Ballarat Ballarat (Existing Ararat Horsham (Hrs/Mins)
Cross
V/Line)

8.16am 9.40am 9.45am 10.41am 10.51am 12.06pm 3.50

12.16pm 1.40pm 1.43pm 2.39pm 2.49pm 4.04pm 3.48

6.16pm 7.35pm 7.40pm 8.36pm 8.46pm 10.01pm 3.45

Current services between Horsham and Melbourne are serviced by a combination of

bus and train transport and can take up to 4 hours and 55 minutes compared to car
travel in off-peak times of 3 hours and 15 minutes.3 The passenger rail services
proposed by Wimmera Rail Services in stage 1 have an average travel time of 3
hours and 49 minutes across all times of the day which is favourable with car travel

3 Grampians and Barwon South West Passenger Services Cost & Feasibility Study – Page 48
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times and allows passengers utilising the service to potentially undertake other tasks
while travelling offering much more convenience.

The implementation of passenger rail between Ararat and Horsham also allows for
the current coach services supporting this line to be redeployed to potentially offer
towns within proximity of the line to be serviced in a greater capacity.

The tables on the following pages show the current timetables and travel times for
travelling between Horsham and Southern Cross station in Melbourne. This consists
of a mixture of bus and train travel often meaning the changing of services more than
once per journey coupled with the potential for wait times between services at either
Ararat or Ballarat providing a less than ideal as well as inconsistent travel experience
depending on the time of day that the journey is undertaken.

Table 2A: Current Timetable for Horsham to Southern Cross services Monday
to Friday
Horsham to Southern Cross Station – Monday to Friday

Arrive
Depart Depart Depart Travel Time
Arrive Ballarat Southern
Horsham Ararat Ballarat (Hrs/Mins)
Cross
5.40am 7.15am 8.06am 8.18am 9.39am 3.59
6.48am 8.07am 9.30am 10.18am 11.40am 4.52
10.45am 12.26pm 1.16pm 1.18pm 2.40pm 3.55
2.15pm 3.32pm 4.55pm 5.15pm 7.10pm 4.55
3.20pm 4.49pm 5.41pm 6.01pm 7.27pm 3.57
*Red denotes coach service

Page 12 of 40
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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
Table 2B: Current Timetable for Horsham to Southern Cross services Saturday
Horsham to Southern Cross Station – Saturday

Arrive
Depart Depart Depart Travel Time
Arrive Ballarat Southern
Horsham Ararat Ballarat (Hrs/Mins)
Cross
5.40am 7.15am 8.06am 8.18am 9.40am 4.00
7.35am 9.22am 10.45am 11.18am 12.40pm 5.05
2.00pm 4.10pm 5.01pm 5.13pm 6.40pm 4.40
*Red denotes coach service

Table 2C: Current Timetable for Horsham to Southern Cross services Sunday
Horsham to Southern Cross Station – Sunday

Arrive
Depart Depart Depart Travel Time
Arrive Ballarat Southern
Horsham Ararat Ballarat (Hrs/Mins)
Cross
6.43am 8.15am 9.06am 9.18am 10.40am 3.57
1.55pm 4.10pm 5.01pm 5.13pm 6.40pm 4.45
3.45pm 5.45pm 7.00pm 7.13pm 8.40pm 4.55
*Red denotes coach service

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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
Table 3A: Current Timetable for Southern Cross to Horsham services Monday
to Friday

Southern Cross Station to Horsham– Monday to Friday

Depart Travel
Arrive Depart Arrive Depart Arrive
Southern Time
Ballarat Ballarat Ararat Ararat Horsham
Cross (Hrs/Mins)
8.16am 9.39am 9.42am 10.39am 11.00am 12.15pm 3.59
9.16am 10.39am 11.00am 12.16pm 12.16pm 1.35pm 4.19
12.16pm 1.39pm 1.42pm 2.39pm 2.50pm 4.03pm 3.47
6.23pm 7.33pm 7.36pm 8.33pm 8.45pm 9.58pm 3.35
6.23pm 7.36pm 7.36pm 8.33pm 8.45pm 10.31pm 4.08
*Red denotes coach service

Table 3B: Current Timetable for Southern Cross to Horsham services Saturday

Southern Cross Station to Horsham– Saturday

Depart Travel
Arrive Depart Arrive Depart Arrive
Southern Time
Ballarat Ballarat Ararat Ararat Horsham
Cross (Hrs/Mins)
8.16am 9.42am 9.45am 10.41am 11.00am 12.47pm 4.31
12.16pm 1.40pm 1.43pm 2.39pm 3.17pm 4.32pm 4.16
12.16pm 1.40pm 2.00pm 3.17pm 3.17pm 4.32pm 4.16
6.18pm 7.37pm 7.40pm 8.36pm 8.45pm 10.27pm 4.09
*Red denotes coach service

Page 14 of 40
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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
Table 3C: Current Timetable for Southern Cross to Horsham services Sunday

Southern Cross Station to Horsham– Sunday

Depart Travel
Arrive Depart Arrive Depart Arrive
Southern Time
Ballarat Ballarat Ararat Ararat Horsham
Cross (Hrs/Mins)
8.16am 9.42am 9.45am 10.41am 11.00am 12.46pm 4.30
12.16pm 1.40pm 1.55pm 3.06pm 3.06pm 4.32pm 4.16
6.16pm 7.35pm 7.40pm 8.36pm 8.45pm 10.30pm 4.14
7.16pm 8.35pm 8.50pm 10.05pm 10.05pm 11.17pm 4.01
*Red denotes coach service

For the requirements of train provisioning and maintenance for the rolling stock
under stage 1 suitable stabling and servicing facilities would be required at Horsham
which would include storage roads, a provisioning facility, a maintenance facility and
staff area. The facility would need to be a secure environment for the safety of the
community and offer secure storage of rolling stock. Currently there are no such
facilities but land is readily available to the north of the existing station.

The proposal allows for the stage 1 services to be implemented within 12 months
and takes into account the procurement of four 2 car DMU rolling stock at a cost of
$11.2 million each. The proposal also takes into consideration the upgrading of
station infrastructure at Horsham and Stawell to meet Disability Discrimination Act
(DDA) requirements at an estimated cost of $16 million.

Stage 1 projected capital and operating costs are;

• ARTC access charges - $0.7 million per annum.

• Projected capital cost for new 2 car DMU rolling stock sets – $44.8 million
(comprising 4 x 2 car sets at $11.2 million per set)

• Projected train & station operating costs - $3.7 million per annum

• Projected infrastructure capital costs - $25 million comprising;

Page 15 of 40
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 o Upgrades of stations for DDA compliance and modernisation - $16
million
o Train provisioning and maintenance facility Horsham- $9 million

Stage 2 – Standardisation of the existing rail line between

Ararat and Ballarat allowing for the seamless direct
passenger rail connection between Horsham and Ballarat
(2020)
The second stage of the proposal from Wimmera Rail Services consists of the
conversion of 88km of rail track from broad gauge to standard gauge that is currently
linking Ararat to Ballarat. This conversion of track not only allows for direct access of
passenger rail services from Horsham through to Ballarat but also the future
restoration of full rail connectivity between Ballarat and potentially other townships in
northern and western Victoria as may be required into the future. This would also
align with standardisation of the Warrenheip to Gheringhap rail corridor currently
planned for completion in 2019 as part of the Murray Basin Rail Project (MBRP).

The standardisation of track between Ararat and Ballarat not only allows for the
seamless transit of passengers between Horsham and Ballarat but it allows Ballarat
to become a centre for transport for Western Victoria in regards to passengers with
fast transition to onward locations. But also in regards to the maintenance of
passenger and freight rail rolling stock as Ballarat would now be centrally connected
by both standard gauge and broad gauge rail infrastructure. This possibility is
influenced by the proposed intermodal freight hub to be constructed west of
Wendouree as part of the West Ballarat Employment Precinct development4.

With the standardisation of track between Ararat and Ballarat Wimmera Rail
Services is proposing that the 5 services under stage 1 be increased to 7 return

4 Grampians and Barwon South West Passenger Services Cost & Feasibility Study – Page 87
Page 16 of 40
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services on weekdays and the 3 services on weekends be increased to 4 services.
These extra services not only provide more flexibility for passengers but also allow
for greater utilisation of the fleet without having to acquire additional rolling stock.

Table 4A: Proposed Timetable for Horsham to Southern Cross services

Monday to Friday

Horsham to Southern Cross Station – Monday to Friday

Arrive Travel
Depart Arrive Depart
Arrive Ararat Depart Ararat Southern Time
Horsham Ballarat Ballarat
Cross (Hrs/Mins)

5.05am 6.20am 6.22am 7.13am 7.21am 8.36am 3.31

6.00am 7.15am 7.17am 8.08am 8.18am 9.39am 3.39

8.00am 9.15am 9.17am 10.08am 10.18am 11.40am 3.40

11.00am 12.15pm 12.17pm 1.08pm 1.18pm 2.40pm 3.40

1.25pm 2.40pm 2.50pm 3.41pm 3.52pm 5.16pm 3.51

3.40pm 4.55pm 4.57pm 5.48pm 6.01pm 7.27pm 3.47

5.50pm 7.05pm 7.07pm 7.58pm 8.08pm 9.40pm 3.50

Page 17 of 40
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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
Table 4B: Proposed Timetable for Horsham to Southern Cross services
Saturday

Horsham to Southern Cross Station – Saturday

Arrive
Depart Arrive Depart Arrive Depart Travel Time
Southern
Horsham Ararat Ararat Ballarat Ballarat (Hrs/Mins)
Cross

6.00am 7.15am 7.17am 8.08am 8.18am 9.40am 3.40

10.00am 11.15am 11.17am 12.08pm 12.18pm 1.40pm 3.40

1.55pm 3.10pm 3.12pm 4.03pm 4.13pm 5.40pm 3.45

6.55pm 8.10pm 8.12pm 9.03pm 9.15pm 10.39pm 3.44

Table 4C: Proposed Timetable for Horsham to Southern Cross services

Sunday

Horsham to Southern Cross Station – Sunday

Arrive
Depart Arrive Depart Arrive Depart Travel Time
Southern
Horsham Ararat Ararat Ballarat Ballarat (Hrs/Mins)
Cross

7.00am 8.15am 8.17am 9.08am 9.18am 10.40am 3.40

1.00pm 2.15pm 2.17pm 3.08pm 3.18pm 4.40pm 3.40

6.55pm 8.10pm 8.14pm 9.05pm 9.15pm 10.39pm 3.44

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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
Table 5A: Proposed Timetable for Southern Cross to Horsham services
Monday to Friday

Southern Cross Station to Horsham– Monday to Friday

Depart Travel
Arrive Depart Arrive
Southern Arrive Ararat Depart Ararat Time
Ballarat Ballarat Horsham
Cross (Hrs/Mins)

5.03am 6.35am 6.45am 7.36am 7.38am 8.53am 3.50

6.08am 7.43am 7.53am 8.44am 8.46am 10.01am 3.53

7.26am 9.12am 9.22am 10.13am 10.15am 11.30am 3.56

10.16am 11.39am 11.49am 12.40pm 12.42pm 1.57pm 3.41

12.16pm 1.39pm 1.49pm 2.40pm 2.42pm 3.57pm 3.41

2.16pm 3.39pm 3.49pm 4.40pm 4.42pm 5.57pm 3.41

4.54pm 6.00pm 6.10pm 7.01pm 7.03pm 8.18pm 3.24

7.17pm 8.33pm 8.43pm 9.34pm 9.36pm 10.51pm 3.34

Table 5B: Proposed Timetable for Southern Cross to Horsham services

Saturday

Southern Cross Station to Horsham – Saturday

Depart
Arrive Depart Arrive Depart Arrive Travel Time
Southern
Ballarat Ballarat Ararat Ararat Horsham (Hrs/Mins)
Cross

7.16am 8.40am 8.50am 9.41am 9.43am 10.58am 3.42

12.16pm 1.40pm 1.50pm 2.41pm 2.43pm 3.58pm 3.42

3.16pm 4.35pm 4.45pm 5.36pm 5.38pm 6.53pm 3.37

11.36pm 12.31am 12.41am 1.32am 1.34am 2.49am 3.47

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Table 5C: Proposed Timetable for Southern Cross to Horsham services
Sunday

Southern Cross Station to Horsham – Sunday

Depart
Arrive Depart Arrive Depart Arrive Travel Time
Southern
Ballarat Ballarat Ararat Ararat Horsham (Hrs/Mins)
Cross

8.16am 9.40am 9.50am 10.41am 10.43am 11.58am 3.42

2.16pm 3.40pm 3.50pm 4.41pm 4.43pm 5.58pm 3.42

10.56pm 12.11am 12.21am 1.12am 1.14am 2.29am 3.33

The conversion of track between Ararat and Ballarat would not require any upgrades
to level crossings as they are all currently built to Regional Fast Rail (RFR)
standards. The conversion allows for the running of standard gauge passenger
services at consistent speeds on this section of track up to 130km/h.

Wimmera Rail Services also propose that the existing staff and ticket system of train
safe-working that is currently in place between Wendouree and Ararat be replaced
with an adequate modern safe working system that allows for follow on moves. It is
also proposed that a new crossing loop at Trawalla (8 km east of Beaufort) be
installed at the same time as the track upgrade takes place allowing for the
significant improvement of passenger rail services along with the ability of running
additional train services between Ballarat and Ararat.

With the conversion of track from broad to standard gauge it is proposed that there
are also some changes to the rail configuration in the Ballarat station area to allow
for station access for both standard and broad gauge services, thereby allowing for
the smooth transition of passengers between trains. As well as allowing ease of
access to platforms for transiting passengers it is proposed that dual gauge track be
installed to enable standard gauge trains to access each of the main Ballarat
platforms, and provision of standard gauge access on the Melbourne side of the
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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
station allowing for access to the rear of platform number 2. These changes are
shown on the following diagram.

Diagram 1: Proposed track and gauge configuration in the Ballarat area

For efficiency and passenger convenience reason Wimmera Rail Services is not
proposing that standard gauge train service between Ararat and Ballarat stop at
Wendouree station as this should continue to be serviced by the existing V/Line
broad gauge trains from Southern Cross Station where services would terminate.
This would require separate broad and standard gauge tracks between Ballarat
North Junction and Wendouree so that the present services to and from Wendouree
can continue to operate with minimal impact. Excluding stops at Wendouree also
necessitates the need for a second platform be constructed at the station to cater for
standard gauge trains from Ararat as passengers heading to Melbourne can alight at
Ballarat to connect with regional fast rail services through to Melbourne.

Stage 2 projected capital and operating costs are;

• ARTC access charges - $0.95 million per annum.

• Projected train operating costs - $5.1 million per annum

• Projected infrastructure capital costs - $100 million comprising;

o Conversion of broad gauge track between Ararat and Wendouree - $35
million
o Standard gauge track with associated signalling from Wendouree to
Ballarat North junction - $20 million
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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
 o Dual gauge inclusions for all platforms at Ballarat station - $14 million
o Replace signalling to automatic block signalling - $8 million
o Install 1500m crossing loop at Trawalla - $15 million
o Re-arrangement of track layout and signalling at Ararat - $8 million

Stage 3A – Upgrade of signalling infrastructure between

Ballarat and Ararat (Optional - 2022).
To allow trains between Ballarat and Ararat (previously converted to standard gauge
as part of stage 2 of this proposal) to run at regional fast rail speeds up to 160km/h
would require an upgrade of the signalling and the installation of a train protection
and warning system (TPWS). The TPWS is designed to enforce observance of
restricted speed requirements and signal stops by imposing a full brake application
when over-speed is detected or when a train is being driven past a stop signal.

The idea behind TPWS is that, if a train approaches a stop signal showing a danger
aspect at too high a speed to enable it to stop at the signal, it will be forced to stop,
regardless of any action (or inaction) by the driver. For each signal equipped with
TPWS, two pairs of electronic loops are placed between the rails, one pair at the
signal itself, the other pair some 200 to 450 metres on the approach side of the
signal. Each pair consists of, first an arming loop and secondly, a trigger loop. The
loops are activated if the signal is showing a stop aspect.

What TPWS does is reduce the speed at which a train approaches a stop signal if
the driver fails to get the speed of the train under control to allow it to stop at that
signal. If the approach speed is too fast, TPWS will apply a full brake but the train
may still overrun the signal. Fortunately, since the train is already braking and there
is usually a "cushion" between the signal and the block it is protecting, there will be a
much reduced risk of collision or damage.

The upgrading of signals and the installation of a TPWS on the 88km section of track
between Ballarat and Ararat not only brings this section of track in line with other
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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
high use regional track within Victoria but will also allow trains to travel from
Southern Cross station through to Ararat providing up to the maximum speed of
160km/h. The time differential for travelling on just on this section of track with the
speed capable of increasing to 160km/h is calculated to provide an 8 minute saving.

Stage 3A projected capital costs are;

• Projected infrastructure capital costs - $40 million comprising;

o Upgrading of 20 signals - $20 million
o Installation of a train protection and warning system (TPWS) - $20
million

Stage 3B – Upgrade of rail line infrastructure between

Horsham and Ararat (Optional - 2022).
The principal work in this line section will be to align Australian Rail Track
Corporation (ARTC) and diesel multiple unit (DMU) passenger service operating
safety standards and to undertake modest track improvements to enable the
operation of DMU type trains to operate at speeds of up to 160km/h. As outlined in
stage 3A all rail lines where the operating of trains at speeds up to 160km/h requires
the installation of a train protection and warning system (TPWS) which provides
automated remote oversight of passenger train movements and will automatically
intervene to maintain safe speeds should a train not fully comply with all signal
indications and permanent speed restrictions.

Unlike stage 3A the 116 kilometre section of track between Ararat and Horsham not
only requires the installation of the train protection and warning system (TPWS) but
the changes required to undertake these faster passenger services would also
require the upgrade of all level crossings that are currently not to Regional Fast Rail
(RFR) standard. As at November 2017 there are 49 crossings that do not comply
with RFR standards as indicated in the following table.

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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
Table 6 – Level Crossing Status – Ararat to Horsham as at October 2017

Level Crossing Status – Ararat to Horsham

Regional
Lights Passive No Total
Section Fast Rail
Only Signalling Protection Crossings
Standard

Ararat to Stawell 1 7 5 0 13

Stawell to
5 5 21 0 31
Murtoa

Murtoa to
4 1 10 0 15
Horsham

Total 10 13 36 0 59

The section of track would also require the existing ARTC signalling to be modified
so that it had the capability to run at speeds to meet the needs of the much faster
160km/h passenger services than are currently servicing this line.

The upgrading of the 49 non-compliant level crossings, upgraded signalling works

and the installation of a TPWS on the 116km section of track between Ararat and
Horsham will not only bring this section of track in line with other high use regional
track within Victoria but will also allow trains to travel from Southern Cross station
through to Horsham with one service change at Ballarat with a consistent travelling
speed of up to 160km/h. The time differential for travelling on the section of track
between Ararat and Horsham with the speed capable of increasing to 160km/h is
calculated to provide a 17 minute saving.

Stage 3B projected capital costs are;

• Estimated infrastructure capital costs - $82 million comprising;

o Upgrade non-compliant level crossings to RFR standards - $32 million
o Upgrade of 116km of current track to high speed DMU standard - $15
million
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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
 o Upgrade of signalling to cater for high speed DMU operations - $35
million

Rolling Stock Considerations to Suit Infrastructure

Due to the specifications of the track west of Ararat additional rolling stock will need
to be acquired to operate on standard gauge infrastructure. Wimmera Rail Services
is proposing that the rolling stock employed to service the Horsham to Ararat corridor
will be of the diesel multiple unit (DMU) variety comprising self-propelled vehicles in
units of two carriages. As mentioned earlier in the proposal the DMU rolling stock
would consist of two carriage units, each with seating capacity for 120 passengers
and provide for the ability to add an additional carriage in the future to each set
should this be required. They also allow for the coupling of multiple units where
required to allow for 240 passengers to be catered for as each unit is self-propelled
and capable of being operated by one driver.

DMU rolling stock comprising self-propelled vehicles in units of 2 carriages allow for
the comfortable fast movement off passengers in a modern environment while
having no need for a separate locomotive. It also permits passenger capacity to be
matched to demand, and for trains to be split and joined on-route if and where
required, for instance between Ararat and Ballarat as patronage grows. It is not
necessary to match the power available to the size and weight of the train, as each
unit is capable of propelling itself. As units are added, the power available to move
the train increases by the necessary amount.

The use of DMU rolling stock will provide reduced journey times and should stage 3
be completed optimal high vehicle utilisation will be achieved. These units are also
similar in nature to the existing VLocity trains that currently operate between
Melbourne and regional centres including the existing service to Ballarat and Ararat
in that case with each unit comprising three self-powered carriages under the control
of one driver.

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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
While the DMU rolling stock proposed to begin passenger services starting with
stage 1 will have the capability to operate at higher speeds (up to 160km/h) the
proposal put forward by Wimmera Rail Services initially has the units running at
speeds limited to the section of track where they will operate which is 115km/h
between Ararat and Horsham. This eradicates the need to initially upgrade the rail
line infrastructure including level crossings, signalling capacity and train oversight
safety mechanisms which has a projected cost of $82 million.

To efficiently operate the passenger rail services initially between Ararat and
Horsham under stage 1 before moving to Ballarat to Horsham under stage 2
Wimmera Rail Services is proposing that four train sets consisting each of 2 self-
propelled units would be required to cover the passenger services as well as to allow
for routine maintenance of the units.

Maintenance of Rolling Stock

As outlined in stage 1 of the proposal with the investment of $9 million a specialised
maintenance and servicing facilities will be made available in Horsham to the north
of the existing station where space is currently available.

The maintenance facility allows for the overnight preventative fleet maintenance to
be carried out on the fleet and utilises the downtime of stabled trains in the evening.
It also provides employment opportunities for those living in Horsham or the
surrounding area.

It also has the ability to service other rail rolling stock such as locomotives currently
servicing freight movements on the Murray Basin lines as well as the lines between
Melbourne and Adelaide/Perth.

The Intermodal Freight Terminal which has a capacity to handle in excess of 21,500
containers per annum, the central location for grain handling and export as well as

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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
improved access to sea ports for exporters provides another opportunity for the
servicing of additional rail rolling stock at the proposed Horsham maintenance
facility.

The investment of $9 million incorporates the necessary maintenance equipment

such as vehicle lifting jacks to be acquired, as well as minor track and road access
works to be undertaken in the area.

Projected Infrastructure Investment

Improvements to support services 2019 to 2020 (Stage 1)

• Projected capital cost for new 2 car DMU rolling stock sets – $44.8 million
comprising 4 x 2 car sets at $11.2 million per set

• Projected infrastructure capital costs - $25 million comprising;

o Upgrades of stations for DDA compliance and modernisation - $16
million
o Train provisioning and maintenance facility Horsham- $9 million

Improvements to support services 2020 to 2021 (Stage 2)

• Estimated infrastructure capital costs - $100 million comprising;

o Conversion of broad gauge track between Ararat and Wendouree - $35
million
o Standard gauge track with associated signalling from Wendouree to
Ballarat North junction - $20 million
o Dual gauge inclusions for all platforms at Ballarat station - $14 million
o Replace signalling to automatic block signalling - $8 million
o Install 1500m crossing loop at Trawalla - $15 million
o Re-arrangement of track layout and signalling at Ararat - $8 million

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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
Improvements to support services 2024 to 2025 (Stage 3A)

• Estimated infrastructure capital costs - $40 million comprising;

o Upgrading of 20 signals - $20 million
o Installation of a train protection and warning system (TPWS) - $20
million

Improvements to support services 2024 to 2025 (Stage 3B)

• Estimated infrastructure capital costs - $82 million comprising;

o Upgrade non-compliant level crossings to RFR standards - $32 million
o Upgrade of 116km of current track to high speed DMU standard - $15
million
o Upgrade of signalling to cater for high speed DMU operations - $35
million
Total Investment Across All Stages

• Estimated total Capital Costs - $291.8 million

o Diesel Multiple Unit Rolling Stock - $44.8 million comprising 4 x 2 car
sets at $11.2 million per set
o Upgrades of stations for DDA compliance and modernisation - $16
million
o Train provisioning and maintenance facility Horsham- $9 million
o Conversion of track to standard or dual gauge - $92 million
o Signalling and Train Protection and Warning System Works - $83
million
o Installation of Crossing Loops - $15 million
o Level crossing upgrades - $32 million

Page 28 of 40
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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
Upgrade of rail line infrastructure between Hamilton and
Ararat with Re-Instated Passenger Rail Services Between
Hamilton and Ararat.
Should it be decided at any stage in the future to re-instate passenger rail services to
Hamilton from Ararat Wimmera Rail Services stands ready to provide these services
and for the sake of this proposal has outlined below what would be required.
Hamilton services, if restored, could also stop at Willaura, Glenthompson and
Dunkeld.

Passenger services between Ararat and Hamilton can only be achieved if the rail
infrastructure between Ararat and Hamilton is reviewed to ensure that it meets the
required standard for operation. There are a number of level crossings between
Ararat and Hamilton which do not meet current standards and would potentially
require upgrading before passenger railcars could operate Ararat and Hamilton.

Crossing loops at Glenthompson and Grampians Loop (located approximately 10 km

south of Dunkeld) are presently un-signalled and would require various changes to
meet current operational and safety standards for rail passenger service operations.

The recommended proposal involves the use of the 107 km Australian Rail Track
Corporation (ARTC) controlled line between Ararat to Hamilton. The first section
from Ararat to Maroona also forms part of the main Melbourne-Adelaide interstate
corridor. Maroona is the junction for the lines towards Geelong and Portland. The
Maroona-Portland line has no signalling, with train movements controlled by a Train
Orders system of safe-working managed from Adelaide.

Wimmera Rail Services would propose that rail services between Hamilton and
Ararat be serviced using same fleet of diesel multiple unit (DMU) rolling stock

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capable of running at speeds up to 160km/h but running at a reduced speed for this
section of track to cater for the rail infrastructure.

Table 7A: Current Timetable for Hamilton to Melbourne & Return Services
Monday to Friday

Hamilton to Southern Cross & Return – Monday to Friday

Hamilton to Melbourne Melbourne to Hamilton

Depart Arrive Depart Arrive Depart Arrive Depart Arrive

Hamilton Ballarat Ballarat Southern Southern Ballarat Ballarat Hamilton
Cross Cross
6.30am 9.00am 9.18am 10.40am 8.16am 9.39am 10.00am 12.20pm
4.25pm 6.50pm 7.09pm 8.40pm 6.23pm 7.33pm 7.50pm 10.10pm
*Red denotes coach service

Table 7B: Current Timetable for Hamilton to Melbourne & Return Services
Weekends

Hamilton to Southern Cross & Return – Weekends

Hamilton to Melbourne Melbourne to Hamilton

Depart Arrive Depart Arrive Depart Arrive Depart Arrive

Hamilton Ballarat Ballarat Southern Southern Ballarat Ballarat Hamilton
Cross Cross
7.30am 10.00am 10.18am 11.40am 9.16am 10.40am 10.55am 1.15pm
4.30pm 6.50pm 7.13pm 8.40pm 6.16pm 7.35pm 7.50pm 10.10pm
*Red denotes coach service
Hamilton passenger service resumption projected capital and operating costs are;

• ARTC access charges - $0.5 million per annum.

• Estimated train operating costs - $1.8 million per annum

• Estimated infrastructure capital costs - $78 million comprising;

Page 30 of 40
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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
 o Upgrade 28 level crossings - $18 million
o Track upgrade (86 km) for 130km/h DMU operation between Maroona
and Hamilton - $20 million
o Replace Train Order safe working with automatic block signalling
between Maroona and Hamilton - $8 million
o Install signalling at Glenthompson and Grampians Loops including
motorised points - $8 million
o Upgrade Willaura, Glenthompson, Dunkeld & Hamilton stations to
conform with DDA requirements - $20 million
o Stabling facilities at Hamilton station - $4 million

Benefits from The Re-Instatement of Passenger Rail

Services to The Region
The proposal for the re-instatement of rail passenger services put forward by
Wimmera Rail Services allows for passenger rail services to be implemented
between Ararat and Horsham also servicing Stawell in a time frame that is realistic
while also spreading out over a number of years the investment expenditure required
to undertake the upgrade works.

There are a number of benefits associated with the re-instatement of passenger rail
services to the greater region as outlined below.
Employment
It is estimated that 21,936 people work in Wimmera - Southern Mallee. Wimmera -
Southern Mallee represents 28.39 % of the 77,276 people working in Grampians
Region, 0.91 % of the 2,421,985 people working in Victoria and 0.22 % of the
9,824,444 people working in Australia.5

5
Latest REMPLAN data incorporating Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) June 2016 Gross State Product,
2013 / 2014 National Input Output Tables and 2011 Census Place of Work Employment Data.
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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
Although there are variations in the relative importance of employment sectors in the
regions, the employment sectors of health care and social assistance, retail,
education and training and manufacturing amount together to 67% of total
employment in the Wimmera-Southern Mallee region and 62.5% of total employment
in the Grampians region. These are all sectors that tend to be clustered around
towns and cities in the region, and activities where both employees’ and clients'
travel can often be provided by the rail system. Employment in agriculture, fishing
and forestry, construction and tourism tends to be more dispersed and is likely to be
supported by road transport, although rail freight has a role to play when primary
products are subject to transport for processing elsewhere, as is the case with wheat
and barley, mineral sands, logs and processed food products.6

The important role of employment in health and education is a reminder that there
are large sectors of employment in the region where employees, customers and
clients can access schools, hospitals and similar institutions by rail and other forms
of public transport if services are provided when and where they are needed.

6
Grampians & Barwon South West Regional Passenger Services Cost & Feasibility Study March 2017
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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
 Employment By Industry - Wimmera, Southern Mallee
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
Health Care & Social Assistance
Retail Trade
Education & Training
Manufacturing
Public Administration & Safety
Accommodation & Food Services
Construction
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
Other Services
Wholesale Trade
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Administrative & Support Services
Financial & Insurance Services
Mining
Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services
Arts & Recreation Services
Information Media & Telecommunications
Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000

Over the next 20 years Horsham is expected to experience notable population growth,
setting it apart from other municipalities in the Wimmera. It is also the key service centre for
the thousands of people that visit the nearby attractions of Mount Arapiles and the
Grampians National Park each year.7 The town itself has a population in excess of
20,000.

To utilise current services towards Ballarat and Melbourne commuters are required
to either catch a bus and then a train at Ararat or Ballarat or there is a daily bus
service through to Melbourne with travel times between Horsham and Southern
Cross varying from 4 to 5 hours in length and requiring a number of service changes.

7
http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/victorian-regions/horsham
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While the proposed service allows for one seamless connection at Ballarat and
provides a consistent travel time of 3 hours and 40 minutes on average.

Horsham has approximately 2,148 businesses and a workforce of around 9,000

people. The Melbourne-Adelaide railway line passes through Horsham and has the
Wimmera Intermodal Freight Hub at Dooen, is part of the larger East-West corridor
that includes the Melbourne-Adelaide and Adelaide-Perth lines.

The Intermodal Freight Terminal has capacity in excess of 21,500 containers per
annum and provides a central location for grain handling and export as well as
improved access to sea ports. Horsham Rural City Council has a precinct
development plan to guide further investments around the terminal. The Intermodal
Freight Terminal provides another opportunity for the servicing of rolling stock at the
proposed Horsham maintenance facility as mentioned in stage 1.

Having regular and reliable passenger train services to and from Horsham and
potentially Hamilton supported by a strong bus network to further catchment areas
provides quick and reliable access through to the key townships of Ararat and
Ballarat as well as providing direct timely access to and from Melbourne opening up
enormous employment opportunities.

The announcement in the 2017 Victorian budget that there would be a relocation of
600 government jobs to Ballarat, at a cost of $47.8 million over the next four years
further adds to the weight that a reliable passenger train service further west opens
up these jobs over time to a greater potential work force.

The Federal Government has also announced a new decentralisation push, requiring
all ministers to justify whether agencies within their portfolios should remain in the
big cities with all departments having to started evaluation by August 2017.

Access to Health Services

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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
The proposal for the re-instatement of rail passenger services allows for residents in
the region to access health services through a more reliable and timely public
transport means. Whether this involves residents needing to be able to travel to a
district, regional or metropolitan hospital or specialist’s rooms having this public
transport option which is easily accessible and runs at conveniently scheduled times
throughout the day and night in both directions provides peace of mind,
independence and an access for all approach. Currently the only options for
travelling from Horsham and the surrounding areas utilising public transport services
means that residents are required to utilise the infrequent, non-existent or
inconvenient public transport services that have survived, but by a variety of
improvised substitutes.

Many people in the older age groups and in socially or economically disadvantaged
communities must rely on transport provided by friends, family, neighbours or the
various volunteer transport services that exist. Driving long distances for access to
healthcare resources imposes not only financial but practical difficulties on all
involved including the need to stay overnight before and after an appointment which
would now be eradicated.

Access to Education Opportunities

Reliable, conveniently timed public transport services play an important role in
transporting students to their schools, colleges, TAFEs and universities. Without
such transport students who often do not own or have access to a motor vehicle of
their own either become reliant on others who can transport them, often not at
convenient times, or face the prospect of moving to a location closer to their TAFE or
university. Students in the region who wish to remain living at home should not have
to restrict their educational options due to the quality of available public transport
open to them.

The following table was produced in the Grampians and Barwon South West
Regional Passenger Services Cost and Feasibility Study and shows examples of the
journey time requirements for a student living in Ararat, Horsham or Hamilton,
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depending on whether the student studies at Federation University, Mount Helen,
Longerenong, Horsham or South Western TAFE.

Table 8: Examples of Journey Times (Each Way) for a Tertiary Student from
The Major Towns in the Region

Originating At:
Ararat Stawell Horsham Hamilton
Heading To:
Federation University
102 Minutes 140 Minutes 235 Minutes 213 Minutes
Ballarat
Longerenong College
116 Minutes 79 Minutes 10 Minutes 420 Minutes
Horsham
South Western TAFE
270 Minutes 297 Minutes 349 Minutes 15 Minutes
Hamilton
The times above are based on early morning arrival at destination and are calculated using the PTV journey
planner.

As can be seen in the above table the current travel times in most cases between
townships to access study options are not only long but make living at home and
accessing tertiary study in another town in the region impractical. The journey from
Horsham to Federation University in Ballarat, for which 235 minutes is required, is
198 km and currently takes four hours, making study at this location impractical for a
Horsham student. Wimmera Rail Services proposed passenger rail services would
reduce this journey time to around 3 hours even at the reduced speeds as proposed
under stage 1. This travel time would decrease to well below 3 hours after stage 2
and 3(A&B) works are completed and combined with the convenient time table a
student required to travel on this route would be able to undertake such a journey
practicable while still living at home.

When it comes to apprentices and those undertaking study to become qualified in a

trade, travel is generally required to either Ballarat or Melbourne on a regular basis.
A faster, conveniently timed throughout the day in both directions would assist these

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apprentices to complete their training with a greater ease and without having to
utilise a vehicle to undertake the journey thereby reducing the cost.

Better Utilisation of Localised Public Transport

As trains are reintroduced to Horsham there will be an opportunity to reorganise and
rationalise the entire public transport network and quality of public transport in the
region.

Horsham could be developed as regional transport hub where regional coaches

would serve Horsham with travellers enjoying fast and comfortable trains for the
greater part of their journey. Total travel times would be significantly reduced for all
travellers to and from Ballarat and Melbourne.

Many important tourist destinations in the region are not currently accessible by
public transport, and improvements should be made to better serve tourists and
holiday makers, whose expenditure in turn will contribute to the growth of the
hospitality, accommodation, ecotourism and viticulture industries in the regions.

Access to Tourist Destinations

Western Victoria has many outstanding tourist attractions and destinations which are
a critical economic growth segment for the area. These tourist destinations provide
an income stream throughout the year and are largely immune from the seasonal
and economic impacts that affect agricultural output and income.

Improvement is clearly needed as to tourist access to the region by rail and

connecting coach, as the holiday and tourist component among V/Line travellers on
this corridor is very low. Higher tourist usage of V/Line services will support
improvements to service frequencies, and support local accommodation and
hospitality ventures and employment.

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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
The current low level of public transport-based tourism in the region appears to be
attributable to a range of factors, including inadequate passenger service offerings to
allow pubic transport access to many of the region’s key attractions, poor or non-
existent coach and/or taxi connections, a complete lack of marketing of public rail
and coach services as a means of accessing the region’s attractions, and a view that
public transport’s functions do not include contributing to the region’s tourist
industry.8

Cycling tourism is also becoming increasingly popular within Australia for both
domestic as well as international tourists and providing a reliable fast rail network to
Horsham would open up the regions natural attractions particularly the Grampians
National Park.

Population for Towns Associated with the Rail Corridor

The major townships that sit on or are within proximity of the rail corridor have a
combined population exceeding 60,000 residents according to the 2016 census
figures. On top of this there is an estimated 10,000 plus residents who are connected
to one of these townships either by a PTV coach service or by other means of
transport such as car. Therefore, in excess of 70,000 residents would be serviced by
the re-introduction of passenger rail services or in Ararat’s case the increased
number of passenger rail services.

On top of the resident numbers visitors such as relatives, tourists, business people
and travellers passing through would need to be taken into account to calculate the
full number of people that would have access to an extended passenger rail service.

8
Grampians & Barwon South West Regional Passenger Services Cost & Feasibility Study March 2017

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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
Table 9: Population of Major Towns Serviced by the Rail Corridor

Town 2016 Census Surrounding 2016 Catchment

Shire
Ararat 8362 3183 11,545
Stawell 8237 2766 11,003
Horsham 16,395 3443 19,838
Nhill Region 6908 0 6908
Dimboola 1385 652 2037
Warracknabeal 6688 0 6688
Beaufort 4433 0 4433
Total 62,452
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

Comparison of Travel Times for Towns Associated with the

Rail Corridor
The Grampians and Barwon South West Regional Passenger Service Cost and
Feasibility Study compiled a comparison of travel times from regional towns to
Melbourne which shows that public transport times compare unfavourably with
corresponding journeys by car. It must be noted that the car travel time is an
estimate for driving in light traffic conditions and probably underestimates the car
journey time in peak periods.

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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.
Table10: Comparison of Travel Times Between Public Transport & Car

Travel Time to Melbourne Number of Daily Public Transport Services

Public
Town Car Travel
Transport Weekdays Saturdays Sundays
(Non-Peak)
(Min – Max)
Ararat 2.13 – 3.55 2.07 6 3 4
Casterton 4.59 – 6.36 4.12 1 0 1
Hamilton 4.03 – 5.36 3.00 2 2 2
Horsham 3.54 – 4.55 3.15 5 3 3
Murtoa 4.39 3.11 2 2 2
Nhill 5.55 – 6.35 4.03 2 2 2
Stawell 3.04 – 3.55 2.28 6 3 4
Source: Grampians and Barwon South West Regional Passenger Service Cost and Feasibility Study
2017

It must be noted that scheduled Interchange times can add a significant extra time to
the overall public transport trip.

Page 40 of 40
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party without the prior written consent of Wimmera Rail Services Pty Ltd.