Western Victoria has the worst public transport in the state.

More than 110,000 people live in Western Victoria, with only limited access to passenger train travel.

The campaign highlights the need for the return of passenger rail to Western Victoria and asks for the government to support the development of a business case to allow the project to progress to the next stage.

The feasibility study for the project, released earlier this year, showed that passenger rail can and indeed should return to Western Victoria.

The first stage of the project – introducing more bus services between Ararat and Melbourne – has already been achieved and we see this as a positive sign for the success of the remainder of our asks.

Whilst they are more complex in nature, we believe the cost to be reasonable and the time frames achievable.

We now need the support of you, the community, to make this project a reality.

We must let the government hear us loud and clear, and show them just how badly these improvements are needed.

There are a number of ways you can help.

Visit the campaign website at www.westernrail.com.au for information about the campaign and how you can get involved.

From here, you can email your local member and other key politicians to voice your support for the project.

You can also find all the details on the project and links to news stories and updates. There’s also a Facebook page – www.facebook.com/westernrail.

Jump online, hit ‘like’, and be sure to share with your family and friends.

The more support we have, the more likely we are to be able to make this project happen.

We would love to hear from you about how the return of passenger rail services could improve your life in Western Victoria.

You’ll find a link on the Western Rail website with more information on how you can do this.

So get online today and join us in this important campaign.

We can and will bring passenger rail back to Western Victoria but we need your help to do it.

Cr Pam Clarke, Horsham Rural City Council mayor