As part of a state government infrastructure push, up to 85 kilometres of fencing will be installed on the Ballarat and Bendigo lines, with more promised across the state.

According to a media release, the works will focus on corridors across the metropolitan and regional networks where there is a history of safety, trespassing or vandalism incidents as well as animal strikes.

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The $10 million statewide project will be a step towards protecting train drivers and other staff, as well as increasing reliability.

The state government has also committed to a project with Lifeline and TrackSAFE to encourage commuters to reach out for help if they need it - geo-targetted social media messaging and links to outreach and mental health support organisations will be distributed as part of the Pause. Call. Be Heard. campaign.

Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said in a statement "these new fences will reduce damage to rail infrastructure and prevent delays to our train network - but above all, these important safety upgrades will save lives".

There have been several incidents involving pedestrians and trains in Ballarat in the past few years, some of them sadly fatal.

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Animal strikes, particularly from kangaroos in rural areas, have also reportedly increased across the network, meaning more maintenance for more trains and more cancellations.

For more information about managing stress and support options, call the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Services on 1800 512 348 or visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support, phone Lifeline 13 11 14.

Help is also available, but not limited, via the following organisations. The key message is you are not alone.

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