A transport strategy involving six central Victorian councils will shape the future of the region’s rail, roads, and trails.
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The Loddon Campaspe Integrated Transport Strategy lists 46 projects for development or advocacy, including 10 key initiatives.
It also includes a new evaluation tool to help build business cases and develop funding applications.
The Murray Basin Rail Project tops the priority list and involves standardising and increasing the axle load on the freight lines in the state’s north-west and re-opening the rail line between Maryborough and Ararat.
Next is the creation of a second Echuca-Moama bridge crossing.
Strategists want to develop a road use hierarchy for freight, community access and tourist routes, which will help prioritise investment on road networks.
The other key initiatives include:
- Capacity improvements on the Bendigo, Swan Hill and Echuca passenger rail services;
- Increased passenger rail services throughout the region;
- A Bridges, Structures and Higher Mass Limit Access Study;
- A freight hub study for the Loddon Campaspe region;
- A Railway Station Access Improvement Program to encourage active lifestyles and public transport;
- Rail trails and recreational tourism bike networks; and,
- Small towns connectivity plans.
The document was created by the councils of Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Campaspe, Mount Alexander, Macedon Ranges and Central Goldfields.
It involved about 18 months’ work and was completed in partnership with Vic Roads; Public Transport Victoria; the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning; Regional Development Victoria; and the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.
Bendigo mayor Rod Fyffe said the strategy would help councils across the region deliver improved services to the community.
“By allowing the region to have a clear focus on what are the most significant regional issues, we will be better placed to coordinate our activities for project funding,” he said.
“Benefits should be seen in tourism, business costs, safety and convenience.”
City of Greater Bendigo chief executive Craig Niemann said taking a regional approach allowed municipalities to help each other and share expertise.
“It is not unusual for a transport asset to be within one municipality but still deliver benefits to the other municipalities,” he said.
Emma D'Agostino
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
Covering general news and Bendigo council.
