INFORMATION available on-line CLICK HERE |
WAHGUNYAH Railway |
This page was last updated on: February 15, 2008
THIS GROUP CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE |
North-East Main Days may be numbered |
Following the then new Victorian Railway's push north to Echuca, the line to Wodonga shortly followed, reaching that township in 1873. Joined in the 1960's by its companion standard gauge line, it has on the other side of the coin, lost its contributory branch lines. Now, it seems likely to become an enforced casualty to both neglect and perhaps a varying amount of ineptitude, if not recalcitrance. In the latest blow to its viability, track standards have been declared as below those required for sustained higher speed passenger operations despite Minister Kosky's claim that the "fix" was in place. (See page 3) In close company with the abandonment by Pacific National of its regional freight (goods) services, the infrastructure failings seem thus to spell out redundancy for the broad gauge. Seymour rail head. In a turn-back the clock twist, Seymour, in the earliest days, a rail head and end of the double track section (1889), may again become the terminal of the BG. Closely tied to the now-extended suburban electrified system, the BG could be seen as the farthest outpost of a stand-alone component of the over-all BG metropolitan and regional rail and tram network Given that the government and its advisors appear in a quandary as to the future of the BG beyond Seymour (Page 3) and calls for the V-line services to transfer to the SG (Page 4) and with a notably diminished freight role, there appears little need to retain the infrastructure in its historical and now seemingly redundant format. Whether ARTC would view the acquisition of the full length of Wodonga Seymour BG as an advantage might be arguable, however, as they have already identified portion of the proposed (not so much if, but when) re-gauged BG as included in their passing "lane" program, it would not take too much foresight to see the advantages of either a "Down" and "Up" two-track line, or, perhaps a dedicated "fast bi-directional track" and a "slow" as in "stopping all stations" or "local" track. Whatever eventuates, increased patronage combined with "Peak Oil" and environmental sustainability needs, demands an efficient high-usage capability in the new and refurbished rail infrastructure. * For the purposes of the discussion, the Shepparton/ Tocumwal line is regarded as a stand-alone line rather than a branch and which junctions to the NE Main. The Wahgunyah branch remains, however, is now isolated from the current BG line. |
TIME TO BE (MORE THAN) SERIOUS Australasian Rail Association Rail is now a watershed point at risk of collapse if substantial and sustained government initiatives are not developed and implemented. We favour the view that sustainability is not just a transport issue but has multiple benefits to Victoria such as the improvement of international competitiveness for agriculture, reduction of road infrastructure costs for state road authorities, support of regional communities, minimisation of environmental consequences; and limiting financial demands to Treasuries and increasing competitiveness. "We are encouraged to see that the Victorian Government is taking sustainability seriously and very pleased that it has responded positively and quickly with the increase rail transport rebate for grain shipments" said Mr Bryan Nye, CEO of the ARA. In the current time of reducing fuel availability, and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emission and environmental footprint, rail is an obvious part of the solution for not only transport, but for sustainability in general. "All governments should follow the direction of the Victorian Government by becoming positively involved in rail transport" Mr Nye said. As the Victorian Farmers Federation stated in its submission: "Rail needs to be supported via investment and government policy so that grain industry investment will follow, and strengthen rail's market share." "We call on the grain industry to commit to using rail for the good of Victoria. Government has made an offer; the industry now needs to accept its role" concluded Mr Nye. By Brett Hughes Manager Policy ARA |
The Association New Arrangements mooted for railway lease. VicTrack have advised GTA that they intend to change the lease arrangements for SBEMH. Currently the use which was originally held as a sub-sub lease from Freight Australia and renegotiated after the demise of that franchise with VicTrack, allows GTA control of the right-of-way from Wahgunyah to Withers Rd (Black Dog Creek) at Lilliput. In attempting the accommodate placement of the proposed Murray to Mountains Rail Trail (Shire of Indigo) between Rutherglen and Wahgunyah, VicTrack has advised that the best way forward would appear to be the re-leasing of the lands in entirety to the Shire, with a sub-lease being extended to the Association as a licenced use for tourist railway purposes. In a letter to the Association, VicTrack say that they can see no disadvantage to the Association in such an arrangement. It is of interest, however, that VicTrack leases in the past have not permitted sub-leases of lands or facilities to other separate entities. A number of TH/R groups hold VicTrack leases with a variation of conditions, though with the railway operation being the primary use. GTA/SBEMHP is awaiting further advice in the matter both from within the "industry" and from DoI. Some members have reservations about it. Executive Officer, Dave Moyle, says that there are possible advantages in such an arrangement, especially as regards to curatorial requirements for the lands such as weed control, fire prevention and general care of the reserve. He said also that the arrangement might also result in the municipality taking a greater interest in the success of the TH/R than they have to date. "The combined operation of Rail and Trail as a tourism product in the North-East is seen as one of some value." Interface arrangements are expected to be fairly complex. |
IT'S GETTING HARDER! A new questionnaire forwarded to TH/R groups and foreshadowing stringent occupational training and assessment criteria intended for application to rail and tram groups under NTC provisions has highlighted the increasing difficulties of pursuing volunteer programs within such groups. Added to the current program of Rail Safety SMS procedures being placed by the groups albeit with assistance from Government appointed consultants, the further access arrangements situation (above item) and now-revealed inconsistencies under the "Order in Council" provisions for railways in that group, highlight the need for a thorough review leading to the establishment of a separate Department for T/HR&T, backed up by its own legislation. DM |
"Mark my words nowThese railways are going to cost us a pretty penny. The shareholders demand their returns and it's our money going overseas. And when the companies fail as fail they will, it's government that will have to pick up the pieces and good men and bad will rise and fall in the consequences" Henry John Platt |
Time table now has added 30 minutes Speed restrictions will add about 30 minutes to a trip to and from Albury and Melbourne for the next three months. Delays which are the result of emergency maintenance work on the broad gauge between Benalla and Wodonga will see trains having their top speed reduced from 115kmh to 80kmh until at least May. But Victorian Opposition spokesman for Public Transport Terry Mulder says V/Line had been hiding behind the excuse of "heat speed restrictions" for some time He said that all V/Line Albury trains were running at least 15 to 20 minutes late because of the enforced slower speeds, but some delays could be worse. "The 12.13pm weekday train from Melbourne has to cross the 12.25pm train from Albury at Riggs Creek, just south of Violet Town," Mr Mulder said. "If the "up" train is late, it makes the northbound Albury train late before it enters the slow section of track north of Benalla." Mr Mulder said that thousands of travellers each month on the North East line had been paying more from the start of the year because of a fare rise but they would also now be travelling more slowly and getting home later or being late for City appointments. A temporary timetable could be available in coming weeks. The restrictions were placed on the 25th January "The condition of the track demanded emergency maintenance and the restrictions will be in place until at least May." The V/Line spokesman said that the maintenance work was limited to emergency status until a decision is made by the Victorian Government on the future of the rail lines between Melbourne and the NSW border. "We are waiting for a decision on the track," the spokesman said. "The options are spend a lot of money on the maintenance work on the broad gauge or simply pull the track up and run all trains on the standard gauge line." Source BMM |
THEN FROM THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT WORKS TO IMPROVE NORTH EAST TRAIN TRAVEL TIMES DATE: Thursday, May 17, 2007 Minister for Public Transport, Lynne Kosky announced today new maintenance works to begin next month to improve travel times on train services to Seymour, Shepparton and Albury/Wodonga. . Ms Kosky said the $4 million maintenance works would target many of the speed restrictions that have delayed services on the popular train line. . "The Bracks Government is committed to revitalising Victoria's rail network and we are investing millions of dollars to deliver maintenance works that will improve rail travel for regional Victorians," Ms Kosky said. . "With the buy back of the regional rail network now complete, over the coming years there will be further improvements for both freight and passenger services throughout Victoria. . "Passengers have experienced slower train services on some sections of the north-eastern line because the track condition has required the speed to be reduced from 130 kph to as low as 50 kph in some parts. "Once the works are complete, the speed restrictions currently in place on that section of the track can be lifted, resulting in improved travel times," "At the last election, we promised to invest in the services that matter to all Victorian families and improvements to the train services to Seymour, Shepparton and Albury/Wodonga shows we are delivering on that commitment. "Speed restrictions have been an issue on the North East corridor, particularly over summer (2006/2007) when a number of heat speed restrictions had to be enforced. "Passengers have been extremely patient so I'm delighted that these works will help address some of these issues and start to improve train punctuality." She added that "the future of rail in the North East was positive". |
North East Transport Connections Project A project to help develop an effective, efficient and sustainable transport service system in North East Victoria has been is funded through the Victorian Government's Transport Connections program. It is a cross-government initiative to help communities work together to improve local transport. A Community forum hosted by Indigo Shire as part of the North East Transport Connections Project (NTCP) heard that often local bus services run only to meet train deadlines and offer no flexibility at all. One of the key transport issues in North East Victoria is that most residents live outside the main service centres of the regional cities With limited access to key medical and educational services, local residents have long distances to travel, with disadvantaged groups having little or no affordable, accessible and equitable transport means. It was stated that wheelchair access is limited nor are newer low-floor buses available and that local taxi services offered limited solutions. Cross-border services are sometimes not accessible in the neighbouring State. Taxi use was anyhow unaffordable by low income and disadvantaged community members who reside out of main service centres. Partnership organisations involve: Alpine, Indigo and Towong shires, Rural City of Wangaratta, City of Wodonga, Alpine Health, Upper Hume Community Health Service, Ovens and King Community Health Service, the North East Local Learning and Employment Network, and Community Accessibility Inc. Project funding is for three years and provides for two project workers, one based in Wodonga and one in Myrtleford. Sandy Stafford and Bonnie Smyth will work with local communities in raising awareness of local transport issues and assisting with the planning of transport services. Local Transport Advisory Groups Meetings of members from community groups representing transport-disadvantaged people, community transport /health providers- health services, and local transport providers are expected to be arranged on a regular basis Activities in the next 6-12 months would include Transport Asset Mapping (local transport services/ information), Transport Review (improvements/ priorities for action) and preparation of draft local Transport Action Plans Local Community Transport Forums would then review draft Transport Action Plans which would then be finalised and fed into the Regional Transport Plans process. NTCP Contact details: Bonnie Smyth: Ph: 03 57 313 506 Mob: 0448 041 529 Email: tcpovens@ovensandking.org.au Sandy Stafford: Ph: 02 60 560 048 Mob: 0417 532 876 Email: tcpkiewa@tpg.com.au OnTrack! Comment Isolation of rural families is not new, nor confined to any specific region in particular. When one reads tales-of-old, it seems that often the local doctor was more often than not, available, arriving by sulky in all weathers and sometimes engaging in procedures not the norm for many current-day GP's. That said, and emergencies aside, travel into "town" in those distant days seems to have been accomplished with an ease and simplicity which somehow now appears to have vanished. Of course all the railway lines were still there and the trains still ran, whether the daily local, the weekly goods (with passenger accommodation in the van), the "Beetle" rail motor or even the trolley car postal motor. - And is it the stuff of fiction only? But in every idyllic country scene in any British-based TV series, there always seems to be a local bus which more often than not seems to meet the local branch line morning or afternoon train. But then we all got cars and didn't need the train or the bus anymore - And let's face it, there is no real alternative to the convenience of the family car- or cars as the kids learn to drive. Except of course for those in any of the classes of the disadvantaged in the above study and to introduce a further theme - Climate-Change and Peak Oil implications are going to demand transport alternatives, both new and re-invented. This program of the Victorian Government has obviously a lot to commend it. Translating the collective results into any real form of redress to the underlying problems may, however, be another thing. One thing is certain though, without the compliance of the major passenger transport providers, including the very same government itself, in addressing the shortcomings in regional and inter-city rail and road services, getting into "town" or out of "town" is still going to be an exercise not of consummate ease. |
Last issue we reported on Asciano's announcement of withdrawal of PACIFIC NATIONAL operations as of today (Feb 5th) The closure of these services has now been held over with the company assuring Minister Lynne Kosky, that they "would continue to work with customers to improve the efficiency of existing services". The delay ,however, will not offer some customers any real solution to accessing alternative road or rail carriage of their produce in the short term. Although grain haulage does not figure largely on the main North-East line, unlike the Oaklands and Dookie lines, nevertheless, the loss of FastTrack and the scheduled removal of PortLink services will further speed the loss to rail of freight carriage which has dropped away by 40% since the sale of the country freight franchise (1999). |
TAIL DISK text. |
EXCERPTS from the ASCIANO report to shareholders which detailed the expected closures were included in the December issue |
BECOME an OnTrack! Registered Reader (Extra notes and expanded articles and resources) Less than 1/2 Cover Price $12.00, p.a. GTA/SBEMHP Membership is available in various categories. Memberships assist the Association in forwarding proposed activities and projects. Inquire TODAY from sbelr@bigpond.com |
OnTrack! Regional Rail Review; RailBees-OnTrack! Junior; Our Gal Sal; and Code Green ( Captain Caution in Australia) are published by Big Tree Country Management Services, ABN 56 541 262 898 Wahgunyah Victoria 3687 Australia, 61 2 6033 3937. All Rights Reserved © 2008 Acknowledgements.: All sources are identified where possible. Copyright material used by permission may not be further used without authorisation. |
This page was last updated on: February 15, 2008
OnTrack! Regional Rail Review Rail in the North-East and Riverina |
OnTrack! Publications Available as PDF downloads |
INFORMATION available on-line CLICK HERE |
">
">
">
">
">
">
">
">
MEMBERS NOTES GENERAL MEETING - SAT MARCH 8TH @ 3pm OFFICIAL OPENING OF NEW OFFICE - SUN MARCH 9TH @ 3.30pm DAVE'S 70TH "BASH" SUN MARCH 9TH @ 4.30PM RSVP ALL ASAP |