Pyrenees Shire Council mayor Ron Eason and Ararat Rural City mayor Paul Hooper both welcomed the news their municipalities would have better connectivity with Ballarat and Melbourne.

Cr Hooper said gaps in the train timetable were being filled thanks to the announcement.

“We are confident that the advocacy work we have done has demonstrated to the state there is a need for an earlier morning service here that connects in Wendouree to get to Melbourne by 9am,” he said.

“This is fantastic and hooks up with the stabling announcement that Minister Pulford announced the week before.”

In addition to 10 new services, the government will also build a new shed to house trains overnight, allowing for an extra service the next morning.

Mr Hooper said council also wanted a train service arriving back at about 5pm to help fill a gap in the schedule.

“It is not just about Ararat, it is also for people further north and south,” he said.

“Ararat is a hub – lot of people from the Wimmera, Hamilton, Stawell, Horsham and further use the train – it is a win for the region.

“Any improvement to the frequency and services of public transport to Ballarat is an improvement of public transport to the region, ourselves included, and we recognise the good work the government has done on that.”

The new services will start on August 27 and the timetable for them will be released in July.

It is not yet guaranteed to go ahead with the state government relying on funds from the federal government to pay for the plan.

Mr Eason said any improvements to services were wonderful for Beaufort and the Pyrenees Shire.

“It just makes the connectivity and the livability of our area improve,” he said.

“We are trying to get train connectivity, Ararat through to Melbourne that has people able to get to Melbourne early.

“They can get into Melbourne for meetings and work.

”Increased service is wonderful and we are very happy for it to come our way.”