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| Station information | |
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| Code | KFT |
| Distance from Southern Cross |
159.35 km (99.02 mi) |
| Operator | V/Line |
| Lines | Bendigo Echuca Swan Hill |
| # Platforms | 2 |
| # Tracks | 2 |
| Status | Staffed Station |
| Viclink profile | Link |
| VicRoads map | Link |
Kangaroo Flat is a railway station on the Melbourne-Bendigo railway in the southern Bendigo suburb of Kangaroo Flat, Victoria, Australia.
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The contract for construction of Kangaroo Flat station was let in 1862. In 1904 it was renamed Kangaroo, being renamed to the original name in 1916. By 1926 facilities included a signal frame, a pair of side platforms on the double track, a goods siding and shed on the eastern side of the line, and a crossover between tracks. In 1938 the stationmaster was withdrawn, being worked by the Porter-in-charge under Caretaker conditions.[1]
From 1889 the station had been a block point under the Winters Block system, being capable of 'switching out' in times of quieter traffic. This status remained until 1980, when the signal box was only 'switched in' when required. In 1987 the signal box was closed, and all points and signals removed.[1]
After a fire in 1990 that caused extensive damage, the station building was left unused and only two trains per weekday stopped at the station.[2] The Regional Fast Rail project saw the line though the station closed in 2005, not being reopened until 2006. The line towards Melbourne was singled, with the line becoming double track at the Melbourne end of Kangaroo Flat and continues until Bendigo, being worked by the signal box there.[1] The decision to single the line was criticised by both rail enthusiasts and communities along the line.
On 26 April 2009 more than 50 people gathered on the station platform to celebrate the first anniversary of additional services to Kangaroo Flat following a community campaign. In the absence of any official ceremony since the extra services and refurbishment of the station building, those present performed a simple ceremony to mark the occasion.[3]
In the morning, trains to Melbourne depart from Platform 1, while Bendigo trains depart from Platform 2, this reverses in the afternoon. Long distance services to Swan Hill do not stop at Kangaroo Flat.
Platforms 1 and 2:
A $350,000 upgrade of the station was announced in February 2008, involved the construction of a new booking office, 50 bay car park, bus interchange, and refurbishment of the waiting room.[4] Part of the reason for the rebuilding of the station was due to car parking shortages at nearby Bendigo station, the upgrade allowing residents of Maiden Gully, Lockwood and Big Hill to use another station.[5]
From 27 April 2008, the Bendigo line timetable was altered to provide 168 extra train services a week at the station, 17 each weekday. The station is staffed for ticket sales Monday to Friday until lunchtime, and 140 bus services stop at the station providing connections to shops and residential areas. There was also a community campaign to reopen the station. A temporary car park was constructed, with a permanent car park due by mid 2008. Works are still to be completed on the carpark. [6]
7 Liberals chase rail station upgrades http://www.bendigoweekly.com/articles/6732/1/Liberals-chase-rail-station-upgrades/Page1.html (Bendigo Weekly 27 June 2008
8 Kangaroo Flat marks rail milestone http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/kangaroo-flat-marks-rail-milestone/1496950.aspx
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Ravenswood and Harcourt stations are currently not in use and are located between Kangaroo Flat and Castlemaine stations
Golden Square station is currently not in use and is located between Kangaroo Flat and Bendigo stations.