Sunshine train

By Dion Teasdale
AN $8 MILLION high-tech solar-powered ultra light rail system could connect Healesville to Lilydale, running via Yarra Glen and Coldstream.
The bold new proposal will be the focus of a $30,000 State Government-funded study, known as the Green Rail project, announced last week.
Seymour MP Ben Hardman and Evelyn MP Heather McTaggart said the study would investigate the creation of an environmentally friendly transport link along the Lilydale-Healesville rail corridor.
Mr Hardman said the creation of a light rail system would improve access to the Yarra Valley for residents and tourists and offer multiple social, economic and environmental benefits.
“The Yarra Ranges is one of Victoria’s largest municipalities and has significant socio-economic problems due to remoteness and lack of public transport,” he said.
“This project could also provide valuable tourism and employment opportunities.”
Ms McTaggart said the idea for the Green Rail study had come from the Lilydale-Healesville Rail Corridor feasibility study funded by the State Government last year.
“The Green Rail study takes the previous study to identify future possible uses of the rail corridor another step further,” she said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to look at new ways of moving people, of taking public transport pressure off Lilydale and helping link residents and visitors to townships and attractions.”
Ms McTaggart said the Green Rail study would investigate a type of solar-powered light rail tram system, know as Parry People Movers, developed and used in the UK.
“Trials of the system in England have been really successful. A system like this would help keep the valley clean and green,” she said.
“The vehicles have very high energy efficiency and very low emissions of pollutants and noise.
“The Government is always looking for innovative ways to improve transport, and we believe this is a cutting edge, state-of-the-art idea.”
The Shire of Yarra Ranges, which will release the findings of the Lilydale-Healesville Rail Corridor feasibility study in the next two weeks, will also oversee the Green Rail study.
Shire chief executive Rob Hauser said he was excited to see the study go ahead.
“The idea of establishing a light rail along the corridor is definitely worth exploring. Whether is has a future or not depends on the outcomes of the study,” he said.
Mr Hauser said he expected the study to take place over six months and it would explore a wide range of potential uses.
“One idea is to establish a light rail for tourists and to have the transport link connect with tourist destinations, such as wineries, galleries and restaurants, along the way,” he said.
“The study will also look at whether the system could cater for commuters and the extent to which traditional or historic trains could be used.”
Mr Hauser said one of the benefits of establishing a light rail system was that the amount of upgrades needed along the rail corridor could be reduced.
“The beauty of the light rail is that it is light weight and the carriages, which are about the size of a tram, are also ultra light, and this could minimise the work needed along the corridor,” he said.
Mr Hauser said he expected the light rail system would be funded through the private sector.
He also said a $13 million multi-use rail trail, catering for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrian riders could also be established alongside the rail corridor.
He said the Lilydale-Healesville Rail Corridor feasibility study would be available for public comment for a period of four week and be available at the shire’s Community Link offices and on its website.