Tasmania's Abt Line - Work Commences

["David Bennetts" <davibenn@pcug.org.au>]

The Hobart Mercury reported that work had started on the Abt line, which is
being rebuilt between Queenstown and Strahan.  Senator Jocelyn Newman was at
Queenstown on 26 January, where work had begun on rebuilding the station
facilities, including the former goods shed, incorporating huon pine beams.
The work is being funded by the Commonwealth Govt to the tune of $20 - $30
million dollars, and is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

Prior to that, it is possible that demonstration trains could be working on
a short length of track out of Queenstown.  The local populace is very
enthusiastic, hoping that tourism to Tasmania's west coast will be boosted
significantly.

Regards

David Bennetts
Canberra

ps Any aus.rail readers from the Apple Isle willing to contribute to let us
know what is happening in your part of the world? I only picked this article
up by chance at the local library.