For 20 years, the people of Mildura and the towns along the North West Rail Corridor have been denied safe, reliable and economical rail access to Melbourne and its educational, medical, cultural and commercial opportunities. Despite Government promises, the people of this remotest area have only car or plane access to the city. Our young people, forced to leave the area for educational and employment opportunities, and denied affordable public transport home, lose touch with family and friends and, consequently, no longer return with qualifications and experience to what is fast becoming a popular retirement area with its resulting need for public transport to medical appointments and family support. The environmental, social and economic impact of dependence on air and road travel is significant. The track is there, the allocated rolling stock is used to solve public transport in the city and these towns are dying.
Denial of public transport is a denial of social justice.
