On TRACK! The Stringybark Express Newsletter
JANUARY 2000
RUTHERGLEN OPENING DAY
SATURDAY January 29th, is the 121st Anniversary of the Wahgunyah Line's opening. Although
the eventual format of the celebrations is somewhat dependant on the progress of the Rail
Safety Accreditation application, the Association plans to mark the occasion with a
short ceremony and to use the event for the inauguration of the Stringybark Express
initiative. The Association has extended an Invitation to Civic and other local
leaders, Tourism and Railway officials to be present at the Celebration, set
for 2pm at the Rutherglen Station in the vicinity of the Highway Railway
Gates.
COROWA ACTION
WAIT AND SEE
Corowa Council have adopted a "wait and see" policy with Stringybark
Express proposals for the Corowa line. In discussion with the CEO, Ian Rich , Director of
Corporate Services indicated that the on-going success of the Wahgunyah venture would
encourage Corowa to participate in plans for the cross-river initiative . In the meantime
a Development Application was suggested for the proposals
HERITAGE PLANS
Coincidentially the Heritage Section of the State Rail Authority and the Shire
announced plans to upgrade the Corowa station facilities creating a Corowa Rail
Heritage Centre. Dr Stuart Sharp SRA's Heritage Officer, indicated that
Stringybark's local operation using horse- power could become part of an on-going
historical exhibit demonstrating the use of horses in yard operations.
TOURISM
Addressing the November meeting of the Corowa and District Tourist Assocation,
GreenTRail's CEO, outlined the Stringybark Express proposals for an horse tram
operation within the environs of the Corowa station and the eventual long term plans
for re-opening the whole of the Railway to in-bound tourist specials. As a result,
the C&DTA has proposed a joint operation in the placement of a float in the
Federation Day
WORKS PROGRAM
RIGHT - OF - WAY & INFRASTRUCTURE
Nothing presents a worse picture to the public than a scruffy, unkept ROW, unpainted
and in-need-of attention structures . Jobs on Offer:
· Further slashing and trimming up of weeds and undergrowth.
· Level crossing infrastructure restoration and painting
· Rutherglen yard buildings - Repair & Paint
· Gardens and Re-vegetation program
· Signage & Stopping Places
VEHICLES & ROLLING STOCK
Most of the proposed RS will be purpose-built. Preliminary discussions
have been held with rail engineers at the pre-design level
Jobs on Offer:
· Modifications to current road trailers to allow hi-rail use
· Preparation and placement of hi-rail equipment for member vehicles
· Work on interim Horse Tram unit
· Work on any other acquired rail units
Editorial:
Community -amongst the various dictionary definitions for this word one may find a
body of people living in a certain area and having common rights, responsibilities and
interests. For Tourist Railways, more often than not the body of people has been anything
but local and indeed one of the important factors in the early success of such
preservation ventures as Puffing Billy was the nearness of the suburbs of Melboune within
which lived the enthusiasts who saw the need and had the vision to create a successful
Heritage Railway.
From the outset the vision for the Rutherglen Rail Initiative- as it was, rested in the
fact that an important community asset was going to waste and though not closed officially
was out of service. (And so also for the Corowa railway). Thus whilst tourism must be the
prime motivation for the success of the Stringybark Express, the description
of the planned activity has necessarily included the word Community:
* Because it is hoped that the venture is something the community will choose to be part
of because it is planned that the restored asset will benefit the
community of the district
* Because the railway is something 'they' haven't entirely got rid off yet -and perhaps
like a town without a bank or medical centre or something else we thought was essential,
the people can get to and open their own bank or service centre -and now with an acorn
venture grow an again useful railway service.
On another Track - if you'll pardon the pun - the suggestion is that certain Tourism
Authorities have a poor view of Tourist Railways - Now one could wonder why, or perhaps
not search too widely and understand the reasons for such an attitude. Whatever,
it is planned that the Stringybark Express will become a tourism
project without which the Region would be all the poorer and within its niche
opportunities become one of those experiences that make all the difference to a visitor's
day amongst us.
Green Light!! - as Railway people say - Let's go!
David R. Moyle
WEB http://greentrail.homestead.com .
Web Page promotes GreenTRail action!!!
STOP PRESS
'First Day' Souvenir Postal Covers - now available.
Includes map, illustrations and memorabilia.
AUSTRALIA (Post Paid) $5.00
Includes Opening Day Pass
OVERSEAS (Post Paid - Air Mail) $5.00
Includes Honorary Member
Certificate.
Chq, M/O, ( $5 -note/s - Fold inside envelope in
separate piece of paper) or Credit Card (Min $10)
GreenTrail Associates - PO Box 27 Wahgunyah 3687. or bigtreeco@telstra.easymail.com.au
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