Wednesday, 28 August 2024

V/Line services

Jacinta ERMACORA (Western Victoria) (09:49): I was delighted to greet one of the first VLocity trains to travel on the Warrnambool line last Saturday morning. As part of the regional rail upgrade on the Warrnambool line V/Line is undertaking track testing and driver training. The train arrived on schedule and was very smooth according to both Lynne Foreman and James Carter, who took the ride to also test out all-abilities access.

Members interjecting.

Sonja Terpstra: On a point of order, President, the noise level coming from those opposite is such that I cannot hear Ms Ermacora, and she should be allowed to continue her contribution without assistance. I ask that her clock be reset.

The PRESIDENT: I was distracted by a matter of important chamber business. I will just reset the clock and ask everyone to give Ms Ermacora a clean run at it.

Jacinta ERMACORA: I was delighted to greet one of the first VLocity trains to travel to Warrnambool last Saturday morning as part of the regional rail upgrade on the Warrnambool line. V/Line is undertaking track testing and driver training. The train arrived on schedule and was a very smooth ride according to Lynne Foreman and James Carter, who took a ride to test its all-abilities access. Lynne pointed out that as a young person in a wheelchair she had been actually separated from her family and put in the baggage compartment. The Warrnambool station itself has been upgraded, with new automated doors and accessible toilets, and very soon bike racks will be added. A hearing loop has been installed so platform announcements can be transmitted to hearing aids. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who advocated for accessible public transport on the Warrnambool line and for the patience of all those affected by previously inaccessible services. I was delighted and surprised to meet three young boys who were trainspotters – Fraser Kelson, Riley Limbong and Lenny Adams – on the platform when I was there on Saturday. This is a game changer for the south-west region of Victoria and the first time in my living memory that Warrnambool is getting the latest rolling stock rather than what feels like hand-me-downs from other lines. All of this is thanks to the Allan Labor government getting things done.