Mayor Cr Kevin Erwin and chief executive officer Glen Davis, met with representatives from the Department of Transport in May to discuss major upgrades for the Stawell Railway Station, which they believe would help the case to reinstate passenger rail services.

While the meeting was not totally timetable focused, Cr Erwin said including Stawell as a stop for the passenger rail service was certainly on the agenda.

``Our focus at the meeting with the department was on general aesthetic improvements to the Stawell Railway Station,'' Cr Erwin said.

``That would definitely be a good starting point for us. The meeting was not timetable focused as such, but we are trying hard to get a passenger rail service reinstated at Stawell. That might be way off yet, but at least we are talking about it with the department and improved facilities at the station would be a good starting point.''

Improvements suggested by council include construction of footpaths, better amenities in the waiting room, some trees removed and others added, general landscaping and beautifying works.

``Really what we are trying to achieve is to offer improved facilities for people when they arrive at the station, whether it be by bus or by train,'' Cr Erwin said.

``We want to make the Stawell Railway Station a more friendly place for people to arrive at. If you have a good station, then you have a good start towards having services reinstated.''

Cr Erwin said he was pleased with the reception he and Mr Davis received from the department.

``They were happy to speak with us and the outcome was very positive. They gave us some suggestions for improvements and we came away happy with the response,'' he said.

``It has certainly given us something to work with.''

Mr Davis said the campaign to improve rail services from Melbourne to the Wimmera had gained momentum, with Horsham Rural City Council fully supporting the concept of having trains stop at more Wimmera towns enroute from Melbourne to Adelaide.

``They are supporting our approach to have passenger rail services stopping at more towns in the Wimmera,'' Mr Davis said.

``It is only early days yet, but the response was very encouraging. We have time now to document what we are seeking and the fact that we were invited down to address the department on the matter and were given such a good hearing, was an encouraging sign.

``The state has also indicated that they are right behind us and will help us with our approach.''