REPAIRS to sections of the Walhalla Goldfields Railway tourist line damaged by floods and fire have been completed.
Image supplied by the Walhalla Goldfields Railway.
ADVERTISEMENT
The $50,000 repair project was funded by the railway and the state government.
Railway president Michael Leaney said in a media release the repairs, which included fixing damaged bridges and a structural drystone wall, said the repairs were challenging.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The location of these works presented some substantial challenges, being located in a steep gorge and having all the equipment and tools transported in by rail,” Mr Leaney said.
The Puffing Billy Railway assisted the Walhalla Goldfields Railway in the repairs.
More pictures: Walhalla Goldfields Railway repair works progressing
Local MP Gary Blackwood said the repairs will give the line a “fresh start”.
“Completing these works has repaired the damage caused by several natural disasters in recent years and marks a fresh start for the Walhalla Goldfields Railway,” Mr Blackwood said.
“The Walhalla Goldfields Railway makes an important contribution to Victoria’s thriving tourism industry – it is one of the most recognised attractions in central Gippsland and a key component in the historic township of Walhalla,” Mr Blackwood said.
“It is important to recognise that the Walhalla Goldfields Railway is maintained and operated by a passionate and dedicated team of volunteers who contribute their time and efforts in keeping this iconic railway operating,” Mr Blackwood said.
The damage to the bridge was not caused by fire. It was caused by the wrong timber selection for the piers followed by years of neglect. Inadequate makeshift repairs were carried out several years ago but after several warnings by consulting engineers the operator of the railway decided to replace the splitting piers.