Walhalla could have jobs for mine workers

Proposed major projects to expand the historic Walhalla Goldfields Railway that are “ready to roll” have been put forward as opportunities to provide employment, skills training and boost the region’s economy when the Hazelwood power station closes next March.

WGR president Michael Leaney said government assistance packages announced for the region could fund restoration of two DH locomotives acquired this year, extend the track by seven kilometres and build new carriages.

Regauging and restoration of the locomotives would be undertaken at the railway’s works site at Yallourn.

The track extension would involve the construction of several new bridges and rail infrastructure.

Mr Leaney said the projects could start immediately.

The historic railway was largely born out of the privatisation of the State Electricity Commission in the mid-1990s providing much needed employment and skills training for people made redundant at the time.

Stage one of the railway was completed into Walhalla in 2002.

Tourist train trips operate on weekends, Wednesday, school and holidays but would move to daily operation if the track is extended and additional rolling stock built.

Mr Leaney said the railway was currently managed and run by dedicated volunteers but its expansion would require paid staff and ongoing maintenance.

He said that for more than 20 years the railway has operated without operational subsidy or funding and, with 36,000 passengers a year, was the second busiest tourism and heritage railway in the State after Puffing Billy.

The assistance packages for the Latrobe Valley region due to Hazelwood’s imminent closure could ensure the Walhalla railway’s future suc- cess as well as providing skills training and jobs. The projects have ongoing viability and long term benefits for the region, Mr Leaney said.

He said Walhalla attracted about 130,000 visitors a year.