Regional rail commitment on track to power Victoria’s visitor economy

The agreement between the Federal and Victorian governments to deliver the long-awaited $1.6 billion commitment revamp of Victoria’s regional rail network will help to unlock regional Victoria’s tourism potential and support stronger visitor economies in local communities, the Tourism & Transport Forum said today.

TTF Chief Executive, Margy Osmond, congratulated Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Premier Daniel Andrews for ending the stalemate that threatened to derail Victoria’s Regional Rail plan.

“This investment will not only deliver better and more frequent services for regional Victorians, but it will also enhance the visitor experience for the thousands of tourists who visit regional Victoria by train ever year,” Ms Osmond said.

“Victoria’s regional rail revival is a win for regional Victoria’s visitor economy, with many of regional Victoria’s incredible tourism destinations to become more accessible for domestic and international visitors.

“A reliable and accessible regional transport system encourages more tourist dispersal into regional areas, and through this investment destinations such as Ballarat, Bendigo and the Surf Coast will be much better placed to attract a greater share of the 2.5 million international visitors to Victoria each year.

“It will also provide greater connectivity between Melbourne’s CBD a number of regional centres, enhancing the liveability of many regional Victorian communities.”