Glenrowan Railway Station - encouraging response

Source: Sykes media release 07.09.08

Glenrowan Railway Station – Encouraging Response from Minister

“Encouraging” is the word Nationals MP Bill Sykes used to describe the Minister for Public Transport’s response to his request in Parliament that Glenrowan Railway Station be re-opened as part of the upgrade and standardisation of the North East Victoria rail corridor.

Dr Sykes said, “Whilst it is still early days, it is encouraging that the Minister for Public Transport, Lynne Kosky, has acknowledged the limited public transport services at Glenrowan.

“The Minister wrote, “I appreciate that Glenrowan currently has very limited transport services particularly for local residents, and DOT (Department of Transport) is committed to improving public transport access for both the residents of Glenrowan as well as visitors and tourists to the
region.”

Dr Sykes continued, “The Minister is also supportive of surveys being undertaken by the Department of Transport in conjunction with Glenrowan residents to assess local community and tourist transport needs.

“The surveys are to be undertaken this month which is also encouraging. The survey results will provide valuable quantitative data on current public transport needs.

“However it is critical that the Minister recognises the expected growth of Glenrowan when the township’s water supply is upgraded and a sewerage system is put in place.

“It is also critical that the Minister considers the increased tourist visitation expected when Tourism Victoria’s priority project of the Ned Kelly Interpretative Centre becomes a reality and when Mokoan wetlands are restored.

“The Government has committed $20m to restore the Mokoan wetlands and they expect 300,000 visitors per year.

Dr Sykes concluded, “Now is the time to re-open the Glenrowan Railway Station – it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to put in place public transport infrastructure to meet Glenrowan’s future needs.

“I will continue to work with the Minister for Public Transport to achieve this outcome.