- Alexandra Timber Tramway and Museum - 09/09/00
- Work is to commence on the extension soon and it is hoped to construct 1km of track next year down to UT Creek The Museum is looking to
extend the length of the line to 3-4km over the next few years. The Station yard look neat and tidy and visitor numbers are increasing.
- Beechworth Tourist Railway - 09/09/00
- The railway is seeking to establish themselves at Everton and perhaps build a railway museum at this station. The local council has built a
rail trail utilising the right of way and all former railway bridges rather than building a separate bridges for the rail trail. The railway would have to
pay for the shifting of the rail trail and for any new bridges.
Unfortunately since this last meeting, the Beechworth Tourist Railway has advised that they have had to wind up as the various authorities will not
agree to their proposal.
- Bellarine Peninsula Railway - 09/09/00
- The M class engine is undergoing an overhaul and springs for the engine have been sourced in Geelong. A special train was run for
City of Geelong councillors for familiarizing with the railway. Klondyke, the engine on hire to the Abt railway at Queenstown in Tasmania, has
been running work trains for the laying of track.
- Puffing Billy - Emerald Tourist Railway Board - 09/09/00
- The Olympic Torch was the recent highlight on the railway and attracted large crowds to watch the flame travel by a special double headed
train from Emerald to Belgrave. Both engines were turned to face Belgrave. Redevelopment of the approaches to Belgrave station is underway.
An invitation day was held recently for councillors of both local municipalities to view the railway and meet with officers.
- Mornington Railway Preservation Society - 09/09/00
- Work has started on the restoration of K177 and tubes have been sourced from Japan. Materials from the former railway line into Cerberus
have been reclaimed and are sufficient for present track needs. A ticket shed had been placed at Yuilles Road. Track work is going on to
extend the sidings. Patronage is similar to that of last year.
- South Gippsland Tourist Railway - 09/09/00
- At least one charter a week is presently being booked. The railway ran the Red Hen rail car to Loch to transport people for the Olympic
Torch relay. Several charters have been received from local schools to take children to sports meetings. The ABC has taken another 12 months
lease of the Nyora station for the filming of "Something in the Air". The local B&B association had its AGM on the railway. The refreshment room at
Korumburra has been used for local community activities. The Derm rail motor has been playing up with trouble in the generator bearings.
- The Central Highlands Tourist Railway - 09/09/00
- Four hundred sleepers are going into the track as part of normal maintenance. While funds have been secured to restore the Daylesford
station, the railway is waiting on planning permission.
The Derm railmotor is operational with two new engines fitted to it. The ZL guards van is being refurbished by a work for the Dole scheme.
The Dodge rail car is steadily going ahead with all woodwork being renewed. It will take about 18 months to complete the Dodge.
- Victorian Goldfields Railway - 09/09/00
- Work has progressed on the turntable at Castlemaine and a rail connection to the turntable is being examined. The bridge at Winters Flat is
being repaired. The railway is seeking funding from the State Government to get them into Castlemaine. Two carriages have been painted by
Bendigo trams.
The quality of the track is steadily improving due to the work of the part time ganger and the railway is looking at a record year for passengers.
This result is due to the marketing of the railway and Thomas events.
- Walhalla Goldfields Railway - 09/09/00
- The railway's patronage is similar to that of last year. The diesel locomotive is being overhauled at Skilled engineering. The steam
locomotive, from Thailand, should be delivered in mid October and then go straight into service. Bridges 4, 5, and 6 are having rail placed on them.
Construction is only half a kilometer from Walhalla now. The bridges have cost more than originally estimated and 70% of the work on the bridges
is now complete. An electricity supply is to be taken to the Walhalla station site and a grant has been received for the construction of a replica of the
original station building.
- Yarra Valley Tourist Railway - 09/09/00
- The T class diesel has been receiving some attention. An event with local groups in August was most successful.
- Steamrail Victoria - 09/09/00
- Business is quieter at present with the normal winter slowdown. A great deal of work is going on with the Rail Heritage study particularly as
it involves the future of the Newport Workshops. K153 whistle has unfortunately been stolen.
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