Thursday, 6 March 2025

Petitions

V/Line services

Martin CAMERON (Morwell) presented a petition bearing 27 signatures:

Issue:

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly the need for V/line to restore locomotive hauled services. The signatories of this petition question the over reliance on the current rail fleet at V/line’s disposal. With the recent decommissioning of V/line’s N-Class locomotives on almost all lines, a gap in services has been noticed across the network and shows that a train that is comfortable, quiet, well maintained and flexible in its operational capacity, even with the sacrifice of speed, is needed more than ever by regional Victorian commuters. Without the support of other locomotive types, that can operate in long distance service, V/line could become stagnant and lose its potential in the distant rural regions of Victoria, both reducing gains made by regional rail in these areas and the distrust of a network that cannot provide for its effected commuters.

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly provide V/line the ability to restore locomotive hauled services by;

1. Increasing funding for V/line that is dedicated to begin procurement of a new long haul locomotive and its carriages.

2. The resulting locomotive being of ‘bi-modal’ design, This will allow V/line to utilize the overhead power lines within the suburban area to provide power to this new locomotive, while also retaining its diesel engine. Resulting in less emissions while still maintaining its long haul capability.

3. Allow construction of these new units to be in Victoria, increasing local jobs and economy.

4. Continue development of the infrastructure required to facilitate the new locomotive’s entry to service.

Ordered that petition be considered tomorrow.