Line on track to public path

Kim Waters
A disused rail line snaking through Geelong to Fyansford should become a path for pedestrians and cyclists, according to a Geelong councillor.
Eddy Kontelj said State Government rail agency VicTrack should transfer ownership of the line to council.
VicTrack had written to council saying the land was being prepared for sale because it had become surplus to the agency’s operations.
“This is used as public land and it should remain as public land,” Cr Kontelj said.
“It needs to be handed over to council.”
The “eyesore” former rail line had become a threat to both pedestrians and vehicles forced to cross it, Cr Kontelj said.
“It’s imperative that the railway line between Church Street and Ballarat Road in particular is removed promptly to provide the community with a connection between a new sports and education precinct in Hamlyn Heights and the Hamlyn Heights reserve to avoid any potential occupation health and safety issues such as trips and falls.
“This railway line now divides the new Western Heights College, the new community facilities and the Hamlyn Park Reserve and well-used Tom McKean Linear Park.
Cr Kontelj said there was no reason why the removal of the railway line should be delayed any longer.
“The line has no operational purpose and is surplus to State Government’s rail needs,” he said.
VicTrack’s Jason Murray said the agency was waiting on approval to declare the land surplus.
“VicTrack has only in the last few days forwarded paperwork seeking the minister’s approval to declare the line south of Thompson Road surplus,” Mr Murray said.
“VicTrack has no plans to sell or develop any part of the corridor – it’s not a priority for us. If council wants to buy it we’re happy to talk to them.”
Mr Murray said VicTrack would “immediately” remove the rail from level crossings after the paperwork was approved.
“At this stage VicTrack is not proposing to remove any of the other rail infrastructure. However, we’re waiting on a proposal from the Bellarine Peninsula Railway, who would like the rail.”