The end of the year is approaching and thoughts are turning to holiday travel and activities and catch-ups with family and friends.
What is different and very exciting this year, is the announcement last Tuesday of the commencement of four new weekend services arriving into Maryborough mid-morning from Melbourne and Ballarat and stopping at Creswick, Clunes and Talbot and returning to Melbourne late afternoon. Actual times will be available soon.
These services offer so many opportunities for friends and family as well as new visitors fo come and spend time here and see our beautiful Shire either for the day or weekend. With the decision by the Victorian Government to support World Heritage Listing of the central Victorian Goldfields there will be added interest in our shire and region. This will really help the tourism, retail and hospitality industries recovering from the pandemic, which was Council's priority.
This also offers residents added flexibility to travel to Ballarat or Melbourne on the afternoon services of Friday, Saturday or Sunday for weekend events or social activities either returning the next morning or spending a few days away. There are endless opportunities.
Council will keep advocating for further service enhancements especially an added mid morning service departing Maryborough and returning from Melbourne mid evening, seven days a week. This would create significant added and much needed flexibility. We are also discussing with the Government many other rail enhancement needs including the need for easier ticketing access and enhanced waiting and station access facilities.
