Today, Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan joined Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas to ride the train to talk to passengers about the new services and timetable that began on 27 August.
An additional 18 services were added in this timetable change, taking the total number of services delivered by the Andrews Labor Government on the Bendigo line to 38.
Ms Thomas said that in the last two years, the Andrews Labor Government has added 38 new services on the Bendigo line. More than five times the number of services added under the former Liberal Government.
The 18 services includes nine extra services on Saturdays and Sundays, an extra weekday off-peak evening service and an extension of Friday’s late-night service to run each weeknight departing Southern Cross Station.
Passengers at Macedon, Riddells Creek, Clarkefield and Malmsbury stations will also be able to catch an additional 9 trains, which have previously not stopped at their stations. As a result, the frequency of trains stopping these stations on the weekend will be significantly increased from 90 to 60 minutes.
Passengers on the Bendigo line are also set to benefit from the Victorian and Federal Government’s Regional Rail Revival, with $91 million committed for upgrading the Bendigo line to run faster trains.
Minister Allan and Ms Thomas also travelled to Macedon to inspect the station and discuss options to make improvements to the station. Ms Thomas made strong representations to Minister Allan on the need for a heated shelter following her ongoing discussions with commuters.
“As one of the highest V/line stations in the state, it makes sense that there should be a warm shelter at Macedon, to protect passengers from the rain and snow” she said.
“Our Government is committed to improving the public transport services for regional communities, and I am confident the Minister will seriously consider this request on behalf of my community.”
Work to install up to 110 car parks at Macedon station, is scheduled to begin construction later this year.
Today, Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan joined Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas to ride the train to talk to passengers about the new services and timetable that began on 27 August.
An additional 18 services were added in this timetable change, taking the total number of services delivered by the Andrews Labor Government on the Bendigo line to 38.
Ms Thomas said that in the last two years, the Andrews Labor Government has added 38 new services on the Bendigo line. More than five times the number of services added under the former Liberal Government.
The 18 services includes nine extra services on Saturdays and Sundays, an extra weekday off-peak evening service and an extension of Friday’s late-night service to run each weeknight departing Southern Cross Station.
Passengers at Macedon, Riddells Creek, Clarkefield and Malmsbury stations will also be able to catch an additional 9 trains, which have previously not stopped at their stations. As a result, the frequency of trains stopping these stations on the weekend will be significantly increased from 90 to 60 minutes.
Passengers on the Bendigo line are also set to benefit from the Victorian and Federal Government’s Regional Rail Revival, with $91 million committed for upgrading the Bendigo line to run faster trains.
Minister Allan and Ms Thomas also travelled to Macedon to inspect the station and discuss options to make improvements to the station. Ms Thomas made strong representations to Minister Allan on the need for a heated shelter following her ongoing discussions with commuters.
“As one of the highest V/line stations in the state, it makes sense that there should be a warm shelter at Macedon, to protect passengers from the rain and snow” she said.
“Our Government is committed to improving the public transport services for regional communities, and I am confident the Minister will seriously consider this request on behalf of my community.”
Work to install up to 110 car parks at Macedon station, is scheduled to begin construction later this year.
The Victorian Government today announced a $240,000 initiative to help build tourism in Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges region - Australia’s leading spa and wellness destination and home to many mineral springs.
At Lake Daylesford today, Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas announced the Mineral Springs Feasibility, Business Case and Master Plan Project that will map out a future for growth and infrastructure improvements. Much of the tourism infrastructure supporting mineral springs in region is in need of improvement and could accommodate greater number of visitors with a wider variety of experiences on offer if it were upgraded.
“We’re investing in the unique mineral springs of Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges to help grow the tourism industry even further because more visitors mean more jobs and that’s important for the region” she said.
The project will assess options for developing high-yield tourism experiences associated with the mineral springs, identify key visitor sites, and provide a Master Plan, reference designs and implementation framework for the delivery of the recommended improvements.
It is funded through the Regional Tourism and Infrastructure Fund, which is growing the visitor economy by facilitating the development of iconic regional tourism projects that create world-class tourism experiences and boost the regional economy.
The Victorian Government is already investing $250,000 in infrastructure upgrades around Lake Daylesford to ensure it remains a popular and accessible attraction for locals and visitors to enjoy.
The project is filling gaps in the lake circuit, improving accessibility for all users, and installing new signage, public toilets, park furniture and a jetty. Works began mid last year and are expected to be complete in the coming months.
These improvements will encourage more people to visit the beautiful lake precinct and enjoy the mineral springs, walking trails, birdlife, and boating activities on offer.
Daylesford and Macedon Ranges’ stunning natural setting, abundance of wellness experiences, and excellent range of accommodation and dining options make it one of regional Victoria’s most popular tourism destinations.
The visitor economy is crucial to the future economic development of regional and rural Victoria, with the sector contributing $11.5 billion to the regional economy and generating 114,400 jobs annually.
The Victorian Government today announced a $240,000 initiative to help build tourism in Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges region - Australia’s leading spa and wellness destination and home to many mineral springs.
At Lake Daylesford today, Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas announced the Mineral Springs Feasibility, Business Case and Master Plan Project that will map out a future for growth and infrastructure improvements. Much of the tourism infrastructure supporting mineral springs in region is in need of improvement and could accommodate greater number of visitors with a wider variety of experiences on offer if it were upgraded.
“We’re investing in the unique mineral springs of Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges to help grow the tourism industry even further because more visitors mean more jobs and that’s important for the region” she said.
The project will assess options for developing high-yield tourism experiences associated with the mineral springs, identify key visitor sites, and provide a Master Plan, reference designs and implementation framework for the delivery of the recommended improvements.
It is funded through the Regional Tourism and Infrastructure Fund, which is growing the visitor economy by facilitating the development of iconic regional tourism projects that create world-class tourism experiences and boost the regional economy.
The Victorian Government is already investing $250,000 in infrastructure upgrades around Lake Daylesford to ensure it remains a popular and accessible attraction for locals and visitors to enjoy.
The project is filling gaps in the lake circuit, improving accessibility for all users, and installing new signage, public toilets, park furniture and a jetty. Works began mid last year and are expected to be complete in the coming months.
These improvements will encourage more people to visit the beautiful lake precinct and enjoy the mineral springs, walking trails, birdlife, and boating activities on offer.
Daylesford and Macedon Ranges’ stunning natural setting, abundance of wellness experiences, and excellent range of accommodation and dining options make it one of regional Victoria’s most popular tourism destinations.
The visitor economy is crucial to the future economic development of regional and rural Victoria, with the sector contributing $11.5 billion to the regional economy and generating 114,400 jobs annually.
A new mobile phone tower launched today in Glenlyon will improve coverage for locals as part of a statewide drive by the Andrews Labor Government to fix mobile blackspots.
Local MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the tower was one of six being built in the Hepburn shire as the Labor Government partnered with the Commonwealth and mobile carriers to improve mobile coverage.
Ms Thomas today launched the new Telstra tower which has been built with government funding under the first round of the Commonwealth Mobile Blackspots Program (MBSP).
“Information and telecommunications have become an essential part of everyday life, and mobile connectivity supports the economy, community activities and most importantly, safety. The launch of this tower in Glenlyon is a good outcome for locals who have long been faced with poor mobile reception” she said.
The brand new base station will provide expanded 3G/4G mobile coverage for residents and local businesses and is the second to be built in the Hepburn area, with the first tower at Leonards Hill already servicing the community.
The Andrews Labor Government has provided $29 million to support the first two rounds of bids under the MBSP securing $114 million in infrastructure investment for the state.
The Government is investing heavily in improving connectivity in regional Victoria delivering free public wifi in Bendigo and Ballarat, working towards improving coverage for travellers on regional rail and announcing the new $45 million Connecting Regional Communities Program in the recent state budget.
A new mobile phone tower launched today in Glenlyon will improve coverage for locals as part of a statewide drive by the Andrews Labor Government to fix mobile blackspots.
Local MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the tower was one of six being built in the Hepburn shire as the Labor Government partnered with the Commonwealth and mobile carriers to improve mobile coverage.
Ms Thomas today launched the new Telstra tower which has been built with government funding under the first round of the Commonwealth Mobile Blackspots Program (MBSP).
“Information and telecommunications have become an essential part of everyday life, and mobile connectivity supports the economy, community activities and most importantly, safety. The launch of this tower in Glenlyon is a good outcome for locals who have long been faced with poor mobile reception” she said.
The brand new base station will provide expanded 3G/4G mobile coverage for residents and local businesses and is the second to be built in the Hepburn area, with the first tower at Leonards Hill already servicing the community.
The Andrews Labor Government has provided $29 million to support the first two rounds of bids under the MBSP securing $114 million in infrastructure investment for the state.
The Government is investing heavily in improving connectivity in regional Victoria delivering free public wifi in Bendigo and Ballarat, working towards improving coverage for travellers on regional rail and announcing the new $45 million Connecting Regional Communities Program in the recent state budget.
SUPPORTING MACEDON RANGES TO TACKLE ICE
13 community groups will receive Community Ice Action Grants, to roll out local initiatives to fight against ice and drug addiction in communities across the state.
Labor Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today announced Macedon Ranges Local Safety Committee will receive funding to establish a local ice action community group that will lead community activities and provide support for families and people affected by ice use.
“The Macedon Ranges Local Safety Committee do excellent work in our community across a number of issues. I’m particularly proud to be supporting them to help rid our region of ice through their local ice action community group” Ms Thomas said.
Bendigo Community Health Services will also receive funding, to facilitate alcohol and drugs workshops across the Loddon Mallee Region for community members, sporting clubs and health professionals
Across the state, the grants will engage and educate local communities through initiatives such as workshops, forums, digital media content, and art projects.
Events such as “Battle of the Bands” competitions, grassroots education programs for sporting teams, forums for Indigenous people and the creation of youth groups will enable community groups to reach those most at risk of dangerous drug use.
The grants are part of the Andrews Labor Government’s third stage of its $180 million Ice Action Plan.
This year the Labor Government will invest a record $220.1 million in drug services, is providing a 68 per cent increase to rehabilitation beds – and lead the country when it comes to day rehabilitation.
More information about recipients can be found at www.ice.vic.gov.au
SUPPORTING MACEDON RANGES TO TACKLE ICE
13 community groups will receive Community Ice Action Grants, to roll out local initiatives to fight against ice and drug addiction in communities across the state.
Labor Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today announced Macedon Ranges Local Safety Committee will receive funding to establish a local ice action community group that will lead community activities and provide support for families and people affected by ice use.
“The Macedon Ranges Local Safety Committee do excellent work in our community across a number of issues. I’m particularly proud to be supporting them to help rid our region of ice through their local ice action community group” Ms Thomas said.
Bendigo Community Health Services will also receive funding, to facilitate alcohol and drugs workshops across the Loddon Mallee Region for community members, sporting clubs and health professionals
Across the state, the grants will engage and educate local communities through initiatives such as workshops, forums, digital media content, and art projects.
Events such as “Battle of the Bands” competitions, grassroots education programs for sporting teams, forums for Indigenous people and the creation of youth groups will enable community groups to reach those most at risk of dangerous drug use.
The grants are part of the Andrews Labor Government’s third stage of its $180 million Ice Action Plan.
This year the Labor Government will invest a record $220.1 million in drug services, is providing a 68 per cent increase to rehabilitation beds – and lead the country when it comes to day rehabilitation.
More information about recipients can be found at www.ice.vic.gov.au
