With the agreement and cooperation of the Victorian government, the federal government has today announced plans to fund a $12.9 million upgrade to the Swan Hill line, with the aim of improving services for local residents and increasing accessibility to railway services for all regional residents.

The upgrade, which will be fully funded by the federal government in the coming budget, will involve the construction of three new railway stations at the towns of Mitiamo, Mystic Park, and Lake Boga. All stations will, upon their opening, be serviced by V/Line trains to Swan Hill, and their construction is estimated to take approximately 3 months after being funded.

All towns have previously had stations at a point in time, with Lake Boga and Mitiamo's stations being closed as part of the New Deal for Country Passengers in 1981, and Mystic Park's station closing in 1978. Both stations provided a wealth of benefits for local residents, and reopening them will help to support the economic growth of these towns by providing them with a vital link to towns such as Swan Hill, Kerang, and further afield, Bendigo and Melbourne.

A full report detailing the proposed spending and plans for the new stations will be released shortly.

Quotes attributable to TheTrashMan_10, Minister for Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities

"Infrastructure is always the first step in positive economic growth in our regions, by investing in clean infrastructure now, we are investing in a clean economy for the future."

"I'm proud to be part of a government delivering more convenient and efficient transport options to all Aussies."

"Investment into regional infrastructure is well overdue, and we'll continue to push to get investment like this across the regions of Australia."

Quotes attributable to model-putrid, Attorney-General and local community advocate

"It is well beyond time for rail services to be restored to Mitiamo, Mystic Park, and Lake Boga."

"As we recover from the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, this vital investment in rural transport infrastructure will create dozens of local jobs, and in the long term, provide all three towns with pathways to more economic opportunity and investment."

"I am proud that this government is investing in long-overdue transport infrastructure that regional Australians deserve."