First train in more than 20 years at Talbot

Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder today opened the new $2.5 million Talbot station, welcoming the first train from Maryborough at 8.18am.

At the station today, Mr Mulder said the new Talbot station would provide an important public transport connection for locals and visitors.

“I’m excited to be here today to officially open the new Talbot station, returning trains to the town for the first time in more than 20 years,” Mr Mulder said.

“Locals and visitors now have an additional mode of transport, with a daily train to Ballarat, Southern Cross or Maryborough.”

Mr Mulder said the new station would support tourism in the Shire of Central Goldfields.

“The new station will provide another transport option for a weekend getaway to Talbot to visit the very popular third Sunday Talbot Farmers’ Market and other local attractions,” Mr Mulder said.

Mr Mulder said there was new directional signage at Talbot station, thanks to a $15,000 grant from the Transport Investing in Regions initiative.

Member for Western Victoria Simon Ramsay said that a free trial mini bus route would run between Lexton and Talbot for six months, connecting with trains.

“The morning train is timetabled so that students and employees travelling to Ballarat during the week arrive before 9am. Passengers made 13,340 trips on the Maryborough trains in 2012-13, so there are normally plenty of seats to accommodate extra travellers,” Mr Ramsay said.

Mr Ramsay said as part of the project the Scandinavian Crescent level crossing was upgraded to boom barriers.

Talbot station was built by construction contractor Ace Contractors Group under V/Line’s supervision on behalf of Public Transport Victoria.