Conflicting information is coming from rail authorities regarding possible hold-ups with the reinstatement of passenger rail services between Melbourne and North East Victoria, The Nationals Member for Murray Valley, Ken Jasper, said today

The speed with which the rail track standardisation was completed inspired confidence that the service would be reinstated on schedule, before the end of this calendar year, Mr Jasper said.

However, this now appears to be in some doubt, with reports of problems with the track, and delays with signalling, crossings, refurbishment of carriages and other operational logistics. This has been further compounded by damage to the XPT track between Melbourne and Sydney, he added.

I will be contacting the State Government and rail authorities seeking rectification of the problems to ensure reinstatement of passenger rail services to the North East as a matter of urgency.

However, Mr Jasper has welcomed the completion of the Benalla to Oaklands rail freight line, noting upgrade of this important grain freight line had been undertaken in conjunction with the standardisation of the North East passenger rail line.

Looking forward to the reopening of the line, which carries grain from the important grain producing areas around Yarrawonga and Oaklands to the seaboard terminals in Melbourne and Geelong, he said its closure for approximately two years had caused great disruption for growers in the region.

With the reopening of the upgraded freight line, I will be seeking reconsideration of the provision of passenger rail services to Yarrawonga, Mulwala and Oaklands, as was provided in years past, recognising the importance of Yarrawonga-Mulwala as an important tourist destination and the massive development which is now taking place, he said.

It is disappointing however, the standardisation of the line between Seymour and Albury-Wodonga has not yet been completed, preventing the Benalla-Oaklands line from using the new system to Melbourne, Mr Jasper said.

Mr Jasper said reintroduction of passenger rail services from Shepparton through Numurkah and Strathmerton to Cobram should be considered as part of the return of services to North East Victoria, to service the western end of his electorate of Murray Valley.