The Western Rail Alliance has representatives from Horsham and Ararat Rural Cities and the Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Northern Grampians, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera shires. 

They launched a feasibility study 18 months ago which said a rail service to Horsham and Hamilton was feasible. 

Representatives of the alliance advocated for a $4 million commitment from both the state government and Coalition to complete a business case. 

The Coalition promised the return of passenger rail to Horsham with a $19 billion pledge to build a high speed rail network across Victoria, if elected. There was no commitment from the state government. 

Related: Western Rail advocates say their project has been overlooked | Poll

Horsham Rural City Council’s chief executive Sunil Bhalla said, at a council meeting on Monday night, that the Western Rail project had been the council’s key priority for advocacy during the election campaign.

“We received commitment from the National Party to do a business case, which was the next stage but we did not get the commitment from the Labor Party, which is unfortunate,” he said. 

Related: Comparison shows stark difference between regional train services

Mr Bhalla said council would continue to advocate to state government officials for the return of passenger rail to the region.

“We will meet with the new minister who will hopefully be appointed soon and continue with our advocacy for Western Rail,” he said. 

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