State election 2018: Historic Yarra Valley Railway wins funds
IT’S FULL steam ahead for a Victorian tourist railway project powered by more than 500 volunteers, with both Labor and the Coalition pledging to complete the line if they win the November state election. Here are the details.
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THE HISTORIC Yarra Valley Railway will be a winner no matter who claims victory in November’s state election.
The Coalition and Labor have both pledged to complete the line, which will run between Yarra Glen and Healesville and is Australia’s largest volunteer infrastructure project.
Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader previously reported the non-profit group inherited 5000 tonnes of excess stone ballast and 17.5km of steel track removed by the Level Crossing Removal Authority during works on the sky rail.
YARRA GLEN TO HEALESVILLE LINE ON TRACK THANKS TO SKY RAIL
VOLUNTEERS RETURNING RAIL TO THE YARRA VALLEY
YARRA GLEN TO HEALESVILLE RAIL LINK FOR THE YARRA VALLEY
Labor on September 20 announced it would commit $3.75 million to the project if it is re-elected in November, while the Coalition last week pledged $4 million if it won.
Six years ago more than 500 volunteers started work on the ambitious Yarra Valley Railway, with plans to rebuild part of the historical Lilydale to Healesville line, securing $3.6 million from the Federal Government.
The original line opened in 1889 but stopped taking passengers in 1980, and ceased carrying freight in the 1990s.
The tourist railway’s president, Brett Whelan, said the money would finish the track work and other infrastructure including bridges.
“It’s amazing we have that bipartisan support and can push forward with the work,” Mr Whelan said.
“We’re working towards a world-class tourist asset that will give back to the community and link up with the Yarra Ranges Council’s bike trail.”
Eildon state Liberal MP Cindy McLeish said as a long-term supporter of the project she was proud of the cash commitment that will help finish the railway.
“This is a big win for our community especially when it comes to the jobs and economic activity that will be created with more visitors to the Yarra Valley,” Ms McLeish said.
“Credit should go to the committed volunteers who are lovingly and painstakingly working to restore the rail line, rolling stock and train stations.”
Eildon state Labor candidate Sally Brennan said the Government had worked closely with the project earlier this year, donating ballast and steel track from the level crossing removal works.
“This project will bring 250,000 additional visitors to our region, creating local jobs and supporting local businesses. Supporting these volunteers is the right thing to do.” Ms Brennan said.
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