THE Overland rail service will continue in 2019 after a last minute funding pledge by the Victorian Labor Government.
The twice-weekly service operates between Melbourne and Adelaide and stops at Bordertown, but was in jeopardy after the South Australian Government announced it would not fund the service beyond December 31.
Victorian Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne announced the government would step in and provide $3.7m to help fund the route for 2019.
“We have stepped in because the Overland provides an important connection to South Australia and for people in Western Victoria and because it is an Australian rail treasure,” she said.
“Communities from across Western Victoria have told us how important this route is for their travel and to the history of their town – that’s why we’re continuing our support for this historic service.”
The 828km service is operated by Great Southern Rail, which has been supported by both state governments since 2000.
South Australia Labor leader Peter Malinauskas praised his Victorian colleagues for continuing the service, but said the move was “deeply embarrassing” for Premier Steven Marshall.
