Council & Politics
5 July, 2026
Buloke council backs rail bid
At its ordinary council meeting last week, Mayor Graeme Milne vacated his position as chair to put forward a Notice of Motion for council to write to the Premier, Leader of the Opposition and the relevant Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, in support of the petition for the V/Line passenger services to Mildura and the Mallee.
BULOKE Shire Council is the latest organisation to throw its support behind the region’s rail rally.
At its ordinary council meeting last week, Mayor Graeme Milne vacated his position as chair to put forward a Notice of Motion for council to write to the Premier, Leader of the Opposition and the relevant Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, in support of the petition for the V/Line passenger services to Mildura and the Mallee.
The petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly that the regional city of Mildura and the Mallee corridor have been without a public passenger train service to Melbourne for 32 years.
“This is something that has been promised in consecutive budgets, that they look at time and time again,” Cr Milne said.
“At least a trial of this and a look at how it might work is all we’re asking for.” Cr Stephen Barrett agreed, calling this move a “great idea to utilise existing infrastructure there”.
Cr Bruce Stafford also supported the motion.
“The Mallee corridor has been without a rail service for three decades and that has left communities across this area with very limited public transport options,” Cr Stafford said.
“That isolation affects access to healthcare, education, employment and essential services, particularly for older and young people and those who can’t drive. People living in regional Victoria should not be treated as though reliable public transport is an unreasonable expectation.”
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