Station damage concern

By Simon Ruppert

Jun 22, 2021

Benalla's John Dennis has raised concerns regarding damage to a platform and fence at Benalla Train Station.

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The damage he pointed to is on a fence on the west side of the XPT line platform, and on the platform itself, which is missing a corner.

John worked on the railway his whole life and said he had experience of how this type of damage could be caused.

“Many years ago I was stood on this platform when a freight train came past and I heard a ‘swoosh’ followed by a loud bang,” John said.

“There was a different structure to the fence that is there today, but it was similar.

“It had been hit by, what I believe was, a loose lashing on the train coming through.

“If anyone had been stood there it would have taken them out.”

Mr Dennis said when he saw similar damage on the station this month he reported it to staff because of his concern someone could be injured, if it was caused by a passing train.

He also pointed out the damage to the corner of the same platform, which he said he believed was also caused by a train.

“I've invited The Ensign out today to get a photo of the damage as I am very concerned about how this happened,” Mr Dennis said.

A V/Line spokesperson told The Ensign the damage was under investigation.

“We’re working closely with Australian Rail Track Corporation to investigate the cause of some minor damage to infrastructure at Benalla Station,” the spokesperson said.