Greens candidate Alice Barnes said train and bus infrastructure in the region needs investment to keep up with demand. 

“Not only do we need a big investment in rail service Ballarat to Melbourne, we need funding for bus services too,” she said. 

Ms Barnes said the $518 million for the rail corridor in the state budget was “a great start” but the next two phases needed federal help to happen. 

National Party candidate Paul Tatchell said pure data showed rail in the electorate needed more funding. 

“It’s frustrating to see solid infrastructure money going to marginal seats, when peri-urban regional cities data indicates not only the Ballarat electorate is overdue for investment, but that in 10 years, Ballarat will hit the wall in terms of growth,” he said. 

He said thousands more would be commuting within a few years.