She has been told the V/Line decision earlier this year would mean thousands of dollars in lost income for Warrnambool and district.

The siding closure means tourist trains can only go as far as Camperdown on day trips or leave Melbourne late at night for an overnight trip to Warrnambool to avoid clashing with normal passenger services.

Member for Western Victoria John Vogels raised the issue in State Parliament and Warrnambool City Council candidate Barry Moran wrote to Ms Kosky this week. Neither have yet received a reply.

Mr Moran has also written to Mr Vogels, South West Coast MP Denis Napthine and the council on the issue.

Mr Vogels said he discovered the closure issue through a report in The Standard and brought it to the Minister's notice in parliament. ``While V/Line is the statutory authority for the line the Minister has the power to over-ride,'' he said.

``The decision will cost tens of thousands of dollars in lost tourism trade for south-west Victoria.

``Heritage steam trains are very popular, especially for parents to take their children down to Warrnambool to see the whales. Even events like Fun4Kids and Warrnambool's famous racing carnival can be made more attractive by arriving on a steam train.''

Mr Moran, a former professional fireman, said the siding decision was a boon for Camperdown but rail tourists would miss Warrnambool's attractions.

``Previously rail tourists could visit Warrnambool then go further by bus to also enjoy Port Fairy and Tower Hill.''

A spokesman for Ms Kosky said yesterday the passing loop at Colac could be reinstated at any time but the decision was up to V/Line.

A historic diesel train trip planned for October 11 will stop at Camperdown for more than three hours instead of continuing to Warrnambool as scheduled.

Then in November Steam Rail Victoria plans to run an overnight service through to Warrnambool for the annual maritime music festival rather than earlier plans for a daytime trip.

``The stopping of these special trains on day visits to Warrnambool will see a negative impact on the tourists missing one of the most unique places in Australia and this city's economy will suffer,'' Mr Moran said.

``If these visitors wish to see Warrnambool they will have the added expense of overnight accommodation which many visitors will shy away from, especially if they have a family.

``Residents of Warrnambool will miss witnessing one of life's historic showpieces, being either the earliest diesel train or a genuine steam train.''