Well-trained councillor does the locomotion
It seems Murray River councillor Tom Weyrich has trains on his mind.
Cr Weyrich put two notices of motion before Tuesday’s Murray River Council meeting relating to tourism aspects of locomotives in the region.
He put one motion to his fellow councillors that Murray River Council re-engage with Campaspe Shire to refurbish the steam locomotive in the wharf area with a view to ultimately owning and running it in a joint agreement as a tourist attraction.
In a separate motion, Cr Weyrich also wants council to engage with tourism bodies, Campaspe Shire Council, Greater Bendigo City Council, Edward River Council and Regional Development Victoria to collaborate in the development of regular steam training services between Melbourne, or Bendigo, and Deniliquin.
He also wants stakeholders to develop bookable products that include overnight stays and afterdark entertainment.
In his rationale, in the agenda to this week’s council meeting, Cr Weyrich said “constant evolution
and re-birthing” was needed stay relevant in any industry.
“By supplementing the existing steam-powered paddleboat image with steam trains, there would not only be a renewal of interest in the former, but new interest generated by the latter,” he said.
“The promotion of a refreshed and broader steam image would give Echuca-Moama an opportunity to advertise longerstay packages by giving daytrippers greater motivation to stay for a long weekend.”