Charlie Mead praises Inland Rail progress in Benalla
Benalla local and railway enthusiast Charlie Mead sees Inland Rail’s transformation of the station precinct as positive progress for his hometown.
October 28, 2025
Having watched the many changes over the years, he said this project “will be just icing on the cake”, improving safety, accessibility and the look and feel of the station precinct.
“I have seen Wangaratta (Station), and it is going to be the same as Wang but it’s perfect. I can never fault Wangaratta.”
Charlie said the changes at Benalla would bring everything up to scratch … “you’ve got the steps, you’ve got the lifts, you can’t get any better.”
In Benalla, we’re:
- relocating the track on the south side of the station (Mackellar Street side) to the north side (Railway Place side) of the station
- removing the existing Benalla Station Approach Road overpass
- building a new platform to access the new track
- upgrading pedestrian access with a new pedestrian underpass.
Charlie started his career constructing railway lines and other infrastructure in 1957 and has held roles including leading hand, boss of a work gang and acting ganger.
To find out more about Inland Rail works in Benalla visit: Inland Rail Victoria: Benalla
