- Eight Queensland rail heritage organisations across the State have been awarded a share of $160,000 in community grants.
- The funding, up to $20,000 for each application, will go to towards refurbishing heritage trains, carriages, tracks and other initiatives.
- The heritage grants program is part of Queensland Rail’s 160th birthday celebrations to boost heritage rail operations and ensure Queensland’s rich rail history lives on for generations.
Volunteers at the Australian Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Woodford will be able to restore a former Queensland Rail railmotor carriage thanks to a much-needed rail heritage funding from the Crisafulli Government.
$160,000 dollars in community grants have been awarded to celebrate 160 years of rail in Queensland to support not-for-profit rail heritage organisations.
The Australian Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Woodford was one of eight Queensland-based recipients awarded a grant to help fund heritage projects and operations.
Crisafulli Government heritage grants program recipients include:
- The Australian Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Woodford will undertake a restoration of a former Queensland Rail railmotor carriage,
- Southern Downs Steam Railway in Warwick will overhaul a heritage diesel hydraulic locomotive,
- Whistle Stop in Maryborough will overhaul the famous Mary Ann steam locomotive,
- Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway will restore a Queensland Rail heritage carriage that was first built in 1913,
- DownsSteam in Toowoomba will install a new roof in their restoration shed to protect valuable rollingstock,
- Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway will be able to undertake important track repairs and invest in community partnerships to support maintenance,
- Australian Railway Historical Society Queensland will purchase a heritage-themed food truck to cater for tourists at historic Grandchester station, and
- The Mary Valley Rattler will undertake essential upgrades to a track machine, reducing labour and improving safe operations for staff and volunteers.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg congratulated the organisations and thanked them for their contributions to honour rail heritage across Queensland.
“From north Queensland to the southern border, rail heritage groups play a vital role in keeping the passion for rail alive in our communities,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“The Crisafulli Government is pleased to offer these much-needed grants to these not-for-profit heritage groups so they can continue to their work ensuring State’s rich rail history lives on.”
Member for Glass House Andrew Powell said the Australian Narrow Gauge Railway Museum was a wonderful part of the region’s heritage.
“This funding will help volunteers continue their incredible work restoring historic rail assets,” Mr Powell said.
“These projects not only preserve Queensland’s rail history but also create unique experiences that attract visitors and strengthen our local economy.”
The Australian Narrow Gauge Railway Museum President Terry Olsson said the grants would be put to good use.
“Our volunteers have been working hard on refurbishing the former passenger luggage carriage and this grant will go towards restoring the seats and new windows,” Mr Olsson said.
“Running carriages like ours on a narrow-gauge branch line gives our community a true experience of the railway of yesteryear, and we thank the Government for helping us continue that mission.”
Queensland Rail acting CEO Neil Backer said the one-off grants were the perfect gift from Queensland Rail as it celebrates its 160th birthday.
“With 160 years of rail in Queensland there’s no better feeling than being able to give back to the communities who are helping us preserve that history,” Mr Backer said.