Horsham mayor Mark Radford has thanked Wimmera people who rallied to help save The Overland passenger train.

He said in a prepared statement that Horsham Rural City Council had been advocating for the service since 2018.

He added Member for Lowan Emma Kealy and Member for Mallee Anne Webster had also provided support and committed funding to keep the service running for three years was good news for communities 

Here is his statement – 

I express my appreciation to our neighbouring councils and community members who took the time to write letters of support to the decision makers.

The council also appreciates the support we received from the former Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne.

More can be done to explore how the train could benefit the region.

Wimmera communities have a great opportunity to get the most out of the service by thinking outside the square in relation to new tourism opportunities.

For example, we could create three and four-night self-drive holidays with a local hire car and local accommodation which could harmonise with The Overland timetable. 

It is a good service, with a long history. When restrictions ease, I would encourage Wimmera residents to check it out and take a trip to Melbourne or Adelaide on The Overland.

Mark Radford

Horsham mayor

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