Council
27 March, 2026
Motion to advocate for seating
CORANGAMITE Shire councillors voted to submit a motion to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) State Council Meeting calling for the extension of seven platforms on the Warrnambool rail line to increase train capacity at Tuesday’s Ordinary Meeting of Council.
Council will present the motion at the meeting, scheduled for May 29, and call for the extension to allow the operation of six-carriage V/Locity trains on the Warrnambool-Melbourne line.
Chief executive officer David Rae said the Warrnambool line spans 267 kilometres and has 21 stops, with the length of seven of these platforms being the primary constraint for the increase of carriages.
“While modern VLocity trains can now operate on the line following major upgrades, platform extensions are required to restore capacity, address overcrowding and improve safety,” he said.
“This upgrade will improve transport capacity, accessibility, service reliability and regional connectivity, directly benefiting the municipalities of Corangamite Shire, Warrnambool City, Moyne Shire, Colac Otway Shire and Surf Coast Shire.
“Across Victoria, regional rail travel has grown significantly in recent years, with V/Line recording a record 23.8 million trips in 2024-2025.
“This increase reflects strong population growth, shifting travel patterns and higher reliance on regional services.
“With more people using the Warrnambool–Melbourne line for work, study, medical appointments and family connections, services are often reaching capacity.”
The Camperdown Chronicle reported last week one resident experienced overcrowding on Sunday, March 15 where many passengers were forced to either stand for the whole journey or sit on the floor for the three-hour journey.
Mr Rae said the introduction of V/Locity trains has improved reliability, but at the cost of capacity on services.
“This has contributed to crowded conditions on what is one of Victoria’s longest regional routes,” he said.
“Across the state, many regional platforms are simply not long enough to accommodate modern six‑carriage VLocity trains.
“More than one‑third of platforms statewide fall into this category, meaning that trains can extend past the platform, creating operational and safety challenges.
“On the Warrnambool line, platform length is the key reason services remain restricted to three‑carriage sets, even though demand would justify longer trains.
“The lack of platform extensions means modern rolling stock cannot be deployed to its full potential, limiting the ability to respond to patronage growth.”
The motion to be put towards MAV will focus on four key actions.
It proposes MAV will advocate to the Victorian Government and relevant transport agencies for urgent investment to extend platforms along the Warrnambool line to enable the consistent operation of six-carriage V/Locity trains and recognise the improved connectivity, safety, economic development and access to essential services for the impacted shires.
Coordinated advocacy to ensure with project is prioritised in state transport infrastructure planning and engagement with Minister for Public Transport Gabrielle Williams and the Department of Transport and Planning to progress platform extension works are also listed in the motion.
Mr Rae said the South West Victoria Alliance (SWVA) State Election Platform 2026 identified improved access to services, transport connectivity and increasing rail capacity as core priorities to enable south west Victoria to grow, develop resilience and increase liveability.
“The platform highlights that the region requires more frequent, reliable and higher capacity train services, noting that passengers on the Warrnambool line are already standing for long sections of the journey, including between Camperdown/Terang and Melbourne,” he said.
“These issues directly reinforce the need for platform extensions to enable longer trains and greater capacity in line with the region’s growth trajectory.
“More broadly, SWVA’s platform emphasises that delivering the next phase of regional growth depends on smart investment in infrastructure, particularly transport, so that communities can connect to jobs, education, services and economic opportunity.
“Extending platforms to accommodate six carriage VLocity trains is consistent with these aims and supports the region’s advocacy for improved rail services as a driver of economic development and liveability.
“At a state policy level, the motion is consistent with objectives relating to improved public transport accessibility, regional economic productivity, safety improvements and long-term transport planning.”
The motion was carried unanimously.
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