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Tim McCurdy supports the introduction of rail trails where trains no longer use lines and people have no interest in their return.

However, the State Member for Murray Valley does not want the closed Cobram-to-Shepparton line turned into a rail trail.

Mr McCurdy said more than 2500 people signed a petition supporting the return of passenger train services to the Cobram-to-Shepparton line.

Trains have not operated on the line since 1994.

‘‘If we were to lose the site of the rail track for a rail trail, we will lose touch with ever getting train services back,’’ he said.

‘‘Returning passenger rail services to Cobram is more about population than anything else. As our communities grow, we give ourselves a better chance to lay a claim for the return of passenger rail.’’

Moira Shire Council and VicRoads had sought safety improvements on the closed line.

VicTrack managed the improvements, which involved removing signs and equipment from seven former rail crossings.

Train tracks were also covered with bitumen at crossings between Cobram and Strathmerton.

Rail trails are paths converted from closed train lines which can be used for cycling, horse riding and walking.

Mr McCurdy said towns such as Barooga, Cobram, Katamatite, Numurkah and Strathmerton would benefit from the return of passenger train services.

‘‘It is not difficult to combine the populations of such centres to work out a business case,’’ he said.

‘‘Cobram and Numurkah have both experienced substantial population growth in recent years, without taking into consideration the populations of the other centres.’’