Horsham mayor Pam Clarke said returning passenger rail to the municipality would take work – but it was vitally important. 

It comes as eight regional councils commissioned a report showing a rail service in Hamilton and Horsham was not only feasible but vital. 

Horsham and Ararat rural cities and the Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Northern Grampians, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera shires are united in the push. 

Their stance is improved public transport will open new opportunities in jobs, education, health, friends, shopping and sport – particularly in larger city hubs of Ballarat and Melbourne.

Horsham’s Helen Friebel, who has back problems, said buses were not a good travel option for people with health issues.

“I find sitting on cramped buses very painful for an extended time,” she said.

“Train travel allows for space and standing and just to be able to move when needed. 

“I have used the buses and I know getting up the steps alone is an issue for many elderly people.

“We don’t go to Ballarat or Melbourne as often as we need to and parking for an appointment in Melbourne is so difficult.”

Ms Friebel said the current V/Line bus detoured through small towns enroute to Southern Cross Station, which meant people leaving Horsham at midday often did not arrive in Melbourne until 7pm. 

“Just consider the country people for a change,” she said. 

“We would definitely use the train on a regular bases and I also have friends who would travel to Horsham if trains were available.”

Cr Clarke said transport to medical appointments was a real issue for young people, the elderly and families. 

“Rail is really important for people with mobility issues and older people who have a doctor’s appointment or specialist appointment,” she said. 

“Part of having a livable city is having good public transport.”

Cr Clarke said the council alliance would seek state government funding to create detailed plans.

She said more funding would then be required to modify tracks, crossings and stations.

The report also recommends more coach services across the Wimmera and south-west for improved connectivity to road and rail, particularly in West Wimmera.

Ararat is a likely hub for future coach services along the Western Highway. 

Increased rail services for Ararat, with more commuter-friendly timed services, to Melbourne via Ballarat is the report’s stage one recommendation.

The report estimates the project’s total capital cost at $369 million, the bulk of which is upgrading existing rail infrastructure – $217m to Horsham and $92m to add Hamilton.