[vic]gov grant to puffing billy

["andrei" <andrei@ausisp.com>]

from the government web site, media releases:

_________________________________________________________________
 FROM THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT

DATE: Monday, May 22, 2000

GOVERNMENT HELPS OUT PUFFING BILLY AND FRIENDS

The Minister for Transport, Mr Peter Batchelor, today announced a
contribution of more than $102,000 so that the restoration of an extra steam
locomotive for the Puffing Billy Railway can be completed.

Mr Batchelor said he was delighted to approve funding to allow the Railway
Board to finish restoring a NA class steam locomotive that could then be
added to the current fleet of four locomotives used by the Puffing Billy
Railway.

"The Railway Board has spent approximately $270,000 since April 1997 on
restoring the steam engine but has been forced to suspend the restoration
after revenue from Puffing Billy was lower than expected over the Christmas
and January period."

"A total of $102,640 has been provided by the Bracks Government to pay for
the labour and materials needed to finish the project and provide the
Railway Board with an extra engine to use during Puffing Billy's peak times
of operation."

"The need for an extra engine has been particularly pressing since the
extension of the tourist railway line from Lakeside to Gembrook in 1998."

Mr Batchelor said the funding reflected the Bracks Government's commitment
to preserving Victoria's railway heritage so that it could be enjoyed for
many generations to come.

"Attractions such as Puffing Billy have a special place in our hearts and it
important that they continue to be supported so that they remain with us
well into the 21st Century and beyond," said Mr Batchelor.