The Ararat-Maryborough rail line has seen its first carriage in years as a ballast train tested the restored tracks last week.
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The line has had new sleepers put in and its weight limit increased before it is reopened as part of the Murray Basin Rail Project.
Western Quarries in Ararat has a $5.5 million agreement with the McConnell Dowell Martinus Rail Joint Venture – who is delivering the project – to provide ballast required for the project.
Other regional suppliers for the project include Troy Walker Electrical and Wattle Office Supplies in Maryborough, and Wazza & Co in Beaufort and Hull Plumbing in Ararat.
Hospitality, catering, accommodation and rental properties across Victoria have also been in demand since construction started in July.
Around 400 people are now working to deliver stage two of the project.
There have been 160 staff based at the main office in Maryborough and work sites in Ararat, Dunolly, Donald and St Arnaud.