INDEPENDENT state election candidate Ali Cupper says she would back whichever side of politics guaranteed Mildura a passenger rail service and a “real public hospital”, if elected with the balance of power.

So far, the Coalition would be leading the race for her support.

With minority government looming as a distinct possibility ahead of November 24 state election, Ms Cupper remained bullish about her plans to “be parochial” if she were to find herself in a similar situation to former MP Russell Savage.

“We know that when other communities had the balance of power, they’ve used it to their advantage,” she said.

Ms Cupper said the inclusion of a return of Mildura passenger rail services within a $19 billion Coalition plan was “fantastic”.

“We haven’t had this clear promise for a very long time and I think it’s probably appropriate that this has come from the Coalition and it was the Coalition that took away and shut down that service 25 years ago,” she said.

However, Ms Cupper said there were some “red flags” with the Coalition policy, notably lack of a confirmed restoration date and any costings.

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