Rail passengers in Victoria will enjoy a smoother ride and fewer delays between Albury-Wodonga and Melbourne following the completion of main construction contracted works on the $235 million North East Rail Line upgrade.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the upgrade works on 532 linear track kilometres delivered local jobs at a vital time.
“Any infrastructure funding we invest in means locals jobs for local proponents, local contractors and economic stimulus for local businesses, laying the foundations for Victoria’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“With the completion of the main works on the North East Rail Line upgrade, passengers will experience more reliable services and a better ride quality between Spencer Street Junction in Melbourne and Albury-Wodonga.
“The works bring the rail line up to a Victorian Class 2 track performance standard, which is in line with other regional passenger rail lines in Victoria, including accommodating new VLocity trains on the line.
“The benefits of this project go beyond the passenger experience, with more than $70 million invested into regional North East Victorian communities since the start of the project in early 2020, which has supported 173 Victorian businesses and service providers.”
Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), together with contracting partner John Holland, were able to deliver the works ahead of schedule and above the original scope of the project.
“The early success of the North East Rail Line upgrade meant the Australian Government could task ARTC to consider what further works might be accelerated with the pandemic offering the unusual opportunity to fast-track some of Australia’s major infrastructure projects during a time that would have minimal impact on commuters,” Minister Birmingham said.
“Accelerated works took place on the line between July and November 2020, with ARTC delivering additional turnout renewals and more than 30 extra bridge deck conversions, enhancing the services and safety to passengers and communities of North East Victoria.
“We also extend our thanks to the team of 100 John Holland contractors that were based in Wangaratta, many of whom made personal sacrifices to remain in regional Victoria to continue working and complete this project as the pandemic struck.”
Senator for Victoria Jane Hume said the project was delivered by ARTC on behalf of the Australian Government with support from Victorian transport agencies including V/Line, Public Transport Victoria, Transport for Victoria and Rail Projects Victoria.
“This was a large-scale project that involved approximately 615,000 working hours and we would like to thank everyone who played a part in the successful delivery of this significant project including the communities of North East Victoria,” Senator Hume said.
“Whilst the objectives of the project have been achieved with the completion of major works, some project signalling works will continue throughout the remainder of 2021.”
Wodonga-based Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the North East Rail Line upgrade has been vital for keeping businesses open during the pandemic.
“Government investments like these have long-reaching benefits, from supporting businesses in the region to keeping people in work,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Businesses such as the Euroa Caravan Park were kept open with the work crews’ business and CountryWide Asphalt received a boost by providing thousands of tonnes of asphalt for the upgrades.”
The project is fully funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Rail Track Corporation.
The Australian Government has invested more than $2.2 billion in regional passenger rail projects in Victoria.
At A1 Tyrepower we have a professional and committed team who take their job of keeping our customers safe on the road extremely seriously. We aim to provide a service that exceeds expectations to all our customers from large commercial organisations, fleet vehicles, farm and industrial customers to fellow local residents. When customers purchase a set of 4 tyres from A1 Tyrepower they receive a service booklet which entitles them to free rotations and balances every 5,000km for the life of those tyres. Free tyre safety and pressure checks are offered to all customers at any time.
We guarantee to give our customers great value for money on quality products and the professional, efficient and personalised service that they deserve and have come to expect from the team at A1 Tyrepower. We also offer Zip Pay and Zip Money as an easy and convenient payment option.
We enjoy being involved in and giving back to the local community. If we are able to assist in building and strengthening community bonds within the business and wider community we are always pleased to. We understand the importance of supporting other locally owned and operated businesses and believe that, locals supporting locals is what it is all about.
A-1 Tyrepower are proud to be a Sponsor of Business Wangaratta and are always there to contribute a $100.00 Gift Voucher to give away at every Business After Hours Events
Maybe it’s just a small project or maybe it’s the entire house. We can help you with each step along the way to end up with a job you are completely proud of. Not just with your colour choices but making sure you choose exactly the right paint, the right gear and all the little tips that make a big difference.
Haymes Paint Shop Wangaratta are proud to be Sponsors of Business Wangaratta and contribute a $50.00 voucher to every Business After Hours Event
We believe in the importance of swimming education from a young age, and the ongoing benefits of swimming throughout life. Our centre provides an ideal setting for people of all ages to learn to swim or simply maintain your fitness with regular exercise.
We’ve come a long way from our humble beginnings of teaching children to swim in our backyard pool. Since opening the centre in 1998, with a pool designed specifically for learning, our focus has been on education. Our pool is salt water – with the temperature kept pleasantly warm, conducive to a learning environment.
Healthy bodies and growing minds need to stay fueled and hydrated. Whether you’re here for lessons, enjoying a swim with the family or staying fit with a few laps, our kiosk is always open with nourishing drinks and fresh snacks to refuel.
More than Swimming are proud to be Sponsors of Business Wangaratta and contribute a $50.00 Voucher to every Business After Hours Event
Intermezzo is so much more than just a café, Bar & Restaurant. Located on the Corner of Ford & Ovens Streets, we are part of the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre and our aim was to create a space for family and friends to gather, relax and enjoy great food.
We are open from 6.30am, 7 days a week for a coffee and Brekky, or Lunch with a Cocktail or wine till 4.00pm. We are also sometimes open later into the evening when a performance is on with some pre show meals and drinks.
We have indoor and outdoor dining areas including our relaxing lawn area, our you can relax on the Deck and just enjoy the outdoor dining experience, Located close to Wangaratta’s CBD, it’s walking distance from all your favourite shopping.
Intermezzo are proud to be a Sponsor of Business Wangaratta and contribute a $20.00 Meal Voucher to every Business After Hours Event
For over 100 years Wangaratta RSL Sub-Branch have been serving the local community, veterans and their families.
Starting from our humble beginnings on Reid St Wangaratta for the last 65 years, 2019 saw the opening of our new venue at the site of the old Sydney Hotel, which the building still pays homage too.
One thing will never change though is that our commitment to community service, hospitality and most importantly supporting our veteran community will never change and is stronger than ever.
Wangaratta RSL is proud to be a Sponsor of Business Wangaratta, and contribute a $25.00 Gift Voucher to the Business Wangaratta After Hours Events
Salt therapy is a natural therapy that has been practiced for over 100 years. It involves relaxing in a specialised room filled with dry salt particles and can help cleanse the airways and skin, as well as aid recovery and general wellbeing.
All our centres have 3 rooms, a Private, Adult and Kids room. All rooms are designed to mimic salt caves. We have a halogenerator that grinds up pharmaceutical medical grade sea salt into a dry aerosol and pumps it into the room.
Wangaratta RSL is proud to be a Sponsor of Business Wangaratta, and contribute a $25.00 Gift Voucher to the Business Wangaratta After Hours Events