A PAIR of West Wimmera councillors will aim to block giving any future money to a public transport study unless its goal is to get passenger rail to Nhill.
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It comes as Horsham Rural City Council recalibrates its approach to getting a public transport study for western Victoria.
Under the new plan, eight councils will contribute $32,000, the state government’s transport department will contribute $5000, and two grants from regional Victoria will make up the remaining $20,000.
Councillors unanimously agreed to continue to support the Horsham-led bid for a study, but indicated they were unlikely to give any more money than the $2000 that was pledged last year.
Cr Bruce Meyer said it was against his nature to support the motion.
‘‘If they ask for any more money, you know what the answer is going to be,’’ he said.
‘‘We’re endorsing the process, and the process indicates to me that there doesn’t seem to be much intention to take this line beyond Horsham.
‘‘We can support this all we like but I think we’re getting softened up for a donation at the end of the day.’’
Cr Warren Wait said if council was asked to give more money, it could refuse.
‘‘If they want more money next time round, we haven’t pledged to give any more money,’’ he said.
‘‘We think passenger rail can go further than Horsham to Nhill and Dimboola – that’s all we want.’’
West Wimmera chief executive Mark Crouch said there were major cost issues associated with the study.
‘‘The desire from the group of councils is that there is some value to these rural areas if the passenger service was extended out from Ararat to Horsham at least,’’ he said.
‘‘At this stage we haven’t had any indication of money. I think the government wants to put in a nominal figure at the moment.
‘‘We as a council have in the past supported it and Horsham Rural City Council – on behalf of a cluster of councils – is seeking our ongoing support to keep the process.’’
Mr Crouch said support was contingent on remote and rural areas being considered in the study.
A similar debate erupted in council last year about the economic benefits returning passenger rail to Horsham would have for West Wimmera.
Cr Ron Hawkins said council was merely reiterating its existing position on the study.
