Between Ballarat and Ararat, 17 sheep were hit by trains last year, making it one of the most common areas in the state for livestock collisions. 

During 2013, 164 animals were hit, which is a 23 per cent increase on 2012. 

V/Line attributed this increase to the number of kangaroos that were killed, which rose from 64 to 92.

“Livestock is part of the livelihood of our neighbours,” V/Line chief executive Theo Taifalos said.

“It not only causes potential heartache and significant loss of money for owners but also damages our trains.

“Every train withdrawn from service for repairs represents a significant cost to taxpayers in additional maintenance and replacement coaches.”

Brochures are expected to be given to landowners in the area, reminding them of their obligations to prevent animals from roaming.