General News
7 May, 2026
Government hits back
THE Victoria Government has hit back at the Liberals’ plans to expand V/Line services on the Warrnambool Line, stating the Liberals are “not on your side”.
As Western District Newspapers reported last week, Shadow Minister for Public Transport Matthew Guy visited Terang to announce a Liberal Government would take short, medium and long-term action to enhance rail services on the Warrnambool line.
Western District Newspapers submitted a number of questions to the Victorian Government seeking information on future planning for upgrades to the line, why longer carriages with designated departure and arrival cars were not in use, what discussions had taken place to expand capacity and why the government had been vague on details on what is next for services in the south west.
The Victorian Government was also asked how it responds to the Liberal announcement and if it would match or surpass the commitment.
In response, Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said the plan would leave metropolitan services worse off.
“Jess Wilson and the Liberals have announced that, if elected, they will cut trains to Melton and Wyndham Vale,” she said.
“If this is what they’re prepared to cut on day one, imagine what comes next for the west.
“While the Liberals are promising cuts to trains for Melbourne’s west, Labor is investing in more services, more capacity and cheaper fares.”
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Western District Newspapers understands lengthening carriages and designated arrival and departure cars poses complex issues due to several factors considered when assessing which train carriage configurations can safely service particular corridors, including platform lengths and the number of carriage doors off a platform, with The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator requiring V/Line to manage the risks associated with platform lengths safely.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said the wide range of upgrades showed the Allan Labor Government was invested in improving the line.
They cited the introduction of 30 extra services across the week and the $15.4 million maintenance blitz currently underway which has included level crossing upgrades between Colac and Warrnambool, bridge and track works, mudhole removals and upgrades to stabling facilities at Warrnambool station.
“We’ve upgraded the Warrnambool Line with five daily return services now running seven days a week providing more options across the day,” the spokesperson said.
“Jess Wilson’s Liberals don’t support cheaper public transport and have promised to cut train services.
“They’re not on your side.”