News

Bushfire aftermath: Trains back on track, TV and radio still dark

By Jemma Jones

Jan 15, 2026

Damage to Mt Alexander transmission tower. Photo: WIN News Facebook. Photo by Supplied

Bushfires on Friday, January 9 knocked out transmission towers and train lines across central Victoria, leaving thousands without services. Here's when they're coming back.

Broadcast transmission

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Radio and TV broadcasts went dark when bushfires destroyed the Mt Alexander transmission tower, cutting services across the region.

The damage severed broadcasts in large parts of the Bendigo broadcast area, with transmission issues reported reaching as north as Rochester, Rushworth and Echuca.

The grey point shows where the transmission tower is. The zones impacted by damage to Mt Alexander transmission tower are highlighted in green, orange and grey which receive TV signals from the grey point. The blue line shows the typical Bendigo television area. Photo by Supplied

In a statement, WIN News said repairs to the transmission tower were expected to take between one to three weeks due to extensive damage.

“We note that initial restoration maybe a reduced service, but rest assured all broadcasters are working as fast as they can to restore broadcast services,” it said.

Until then, Campaspe Shire Council has advised residents can get access to news related to the bushfires through its Emergency Dashboard on the council website.

V/Line restarts

After a week with limited to no services, V/Line announced the Echuca, Bendigo and Swan Hill train lines would resume as scheduled on Wednesday, January 14.

Coach services will also return to their regular schedules.

Services were suspended after bushfires damaged tracks and railway infrastructure around Harcourt throughout the week.