Since plans for the Inland Rail project’s passage through Benalla were publicised in about 2019, a co-ordinated community effort to have input into its design has been under way.
While the process had always been cited to include extensive community consultation, local people feared they might not be listened to.
Many cited the destruction of the station's historic tearooms and tower, despite massive local opposition, in 1974.
Initially using the acronym BOBCAR (Best Option - Benalla Community, Amenities and Rail lobby group), it evolved into Better Benalla Rail and the Save Our Station campaign was launched.
Its initial goal was to have the Melbourne to Sydney line, known locally as the XPT line, removed from the front of Benalla Station, and realigned to the rear, where all other lines pass.
When that line was built, it had created an island upon which Benalla Railway Station sits.
This ‘islanding’ caused many issues, including the need for an overpass to reach the station and a smaller car park, much of which is currently used as a turning circle for buses.
The lobby group’s idea was to open up the front of the station, returning it to its previous design, creating a station precinct.
After years of lobbying, ARTC agreed to that plan.
However, BBR was not finished there.
It also wanted a new station design, better disability access, a second, central platform and a redesign of the Benalla Station underpass.
Many of those elements are now incorporated into the current plans, which are now available for the community to see.
A BBR spokesperson said it would not comment on the design until it was finalised, as it continues to lobby for more community ideas to be incorporated.
One area it has not given up on is its bid to save the town’s historic signal box, on the rail crossing at Nunn St.
After an extensive consultation process it was cited for demolition, and that plan is still in place.
Will BBR be able to succeed there too?
Only time will tell.
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