Geelong fast rail could be delivered to city within five to seven years, according to new report

Electric trains that reach 200km/h and reduce the travel time between Geelong and Melbourne to 35 minutes could be delivered within “five to seven years”, a report commissioned by Geelong council has revealed.

Acting mayor Peter Murrihy at Geelong train station with the council's report into a fast train service. Picture: Alan Barber

FAST RAIL to Geelong could be delivered within “five to seven years”, a report commissioned by Geelong council has revealed.

After a year of investigation, the Stronger, Together report says leveraging the Melbourne airport rail link construction, due to begin in 2022, could deliver electric trains capable of reaching 200km/h and peak-time services at seven-minute intervals.

But Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan has reportedly said the proposed time frame is unrealistic.

It is understood the need to electrify tracks between Geelong and Sunshine; add tracks between Wyndham Vale and Southern Cross, and develop an electric regional fleet would see the timeframe for the multi-billion project balloon beyond a decade.

Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood said the region should not have to wait a decade for fast rail.

“The report suggests much of the vision could be built in parallel with the Melbourne Airport Rail Link,” Mr Harwood said.

“Despite serious and much-appreciated investments from successive governments, regions like Geelong are getting further away from Melbourne and tougher in commuting terms, rather than closer and easier.”

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Under council’s plan a train station would be added along the Geelong line near Avalon Airport, and travel time between Geelong and Melbourne would be cut to 35 minutes.

Council’s report — with input from leading urban planners, transport and rail experts — states failing to make provision for fast rail to Geelong, Ballarat and other regions as part of the airport rail link “risks locking out affordable regional fast rail permanently”.

Fast lines to Geelong, Ballarat, Shepparton, Bendigo can be delivered for the $10 billion the Commonwealth and Victorian governments have committed to the Airport Rail Link, according to the report.

“200km/h high-capacity high-frequency regional rail services can be retrofitted within the existing V/Line country rail corridors with suitable upgrading of line, train safety management systems and relevant suburban Melbourne metro line duplications,” the reports reads.

Could fast rail to Geelong be up and running to Geelong within five years.

It also says $1 billion will have to be spent developing a high-capacity electric regional train fleet.

But it is understood the cost of delivering the fleet will exceed that price tag.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said planning for fast rail to Geelong is under way.

“We always welcome ideas on how to make our public transport system better, and look forward to working local government’s and communities to make it happen,” Ms Allan said.

In May, the State Government committed $100 million to plan for fast rail between Melbourne, and Geelong and Ballarat. It follows $50 million committed to the project in 2018-19.

The Morrison Government has committed $2 billion for fast rail to Geelong, which is contingent on the State Government matching it.

Last year Geelong council floated the idea of levying public transport users to pay for the multi-billion cost of fast rail to Geelong.

A report by Raylink Consulting found the Regional Rail Link will be at capacity before 2030.

Council is inviting public feedback on its report until July 31.

Originally published as Geelong fast rail could be delivered to city within five to seven years, according to new report