Rail services are to be returned to Horsham and other western Victorian communities as part of the brand new Horsham Rail Revival, a joint venture of the federal and Victorian governments, to be fully funded in the upcoming budget. As part of the government's record-breaking investment into Australian infrastructure, $82.03 million will be committed to extend V/Line services to Horsham, including stations at Great Western, Stawell, and Murtoa.

In order to ensure that the Horsham line can be connected to the existing V/Line network, the technologically superior broad gauge track will be extended from Ararat, instead of using the inferior standard gauge track that exists from Ararat to Horsham. The new track will follow the path of existing tracks, with Great Western and Murtoa to recieve brand new railway stations, and existing stations at Horsham and Stawell currently used by Overland services will see million-dollar upgrades.

V/Line's existing Ararat line services will be extended to Horsham. In order to ensure that frequencies on the line are increased, a crossing loop will be built near Beaufort station, and an additional six-car VLocity train will be purchased at a cost of $13.88 million.

A full report detailing the proposed spending will be released shortly.

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

"This government, as usual, is connecting Aussies up and down the country with convenient, clean and comfortable transport."

"No government has delivered so well on infrastructure for the Nation quite like ours."

"Together, we're getting Australia moving."

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

"The Horsham Rail Revival project will ensure a better outcome for western Victoria, and make sure that residents of these towns have the pathway to a better future and greater opportunities."

"This government is ensuring that regional communities have proper access to a diverse range of transport options."

"Horsham should never have lost its rail services in the first place - it was utterly impractical and harmful."