The announcement a short while ago by Sid Sidebottom, Federal Labour Member for Braddon is one of welcome relief to the staff, the west coast community and the supporters who have lobbied long and hard for the West Coast Wilderness Railway to continue operating. We must also thank the many people behind the scenes who have worked tirelessly in working towards this outcome for the Federal Government in particular Simon Currant and Luke Martin from the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania. It is during difficult times when issues such as this arise that affect everyone in the community that the heavyweights have to come out and back up the tourism industry and the community.
West Coast Wilderness Railway (photo by Dan Fellow)
West Coast Wilderness Railway to Continue
by Mike Fry
It is a fact that all levels of government need to be aware of the levels of support from all segments of the business and residential community before they reach their decisions. In this case the result is a positive one and now the solutions can progress to the next stage of how to manage the West Coast Wilderness Railway as it continues and what type of entity will be best suited.
It is of immediate concern that the railway will indeed need to cease operations while trackwork and other maintenance is carried out during the quiet tourism period over winter so that operations can be resumed as quickly as possible before the next tourism season commences around September. It is imperative that skilled staff be retained and that a smooth transition is enabled.
West Coast Wilderness Railway (photo by Dan Fellow)
There are a number of groups that have been involved throughout this process and they include Cradle Coast Tourism, West Coast Tourism and West Coast Council among others; all of which have been meeting, lobbying and discussing the issues to help bring about this positive decision. Federal Hotels have put a huge amount of their own money and resources into this project over the past 10 years but no private enterprise company, regardless of its resources, would continue when the owner of the assets (the state government) did not ensure its assets were maintained in good condition.
It is incumbent upon the state government to support this tourism operation as it was they who nominated it and obtained over $20m in federal funds and also committed over $10m of state funds. It was always going to be a marginal operation and the government was made fully aware of this before the project got underway. The state government was also made aware that using second hand sleepers and rail would incur high levels of maintenance costs within ten years. So by reducing set up costs the end result is what we see now.
West Coast Wilderness Railway (photo by Dan Fellow)
The community is right behind this project and all levels of government must back the community and employment in the west coast region. The railway is not just a west coast tourism product it is a tourism attraction of state significance which is fundamental to the distribution of tourism dollars around Tasmania as part of the touring route for visitors.
This is only stage one of the rescue and there now needs to be a new entity to operate the railway; those involved still have much work to do. They need our continuing support so keep the blogs, facebook pages, letters and media reports going until it is back in operation later this year.
Mike Fry represents tourism group Discover Strahan and Carolyn Nissen is the chairperson of Tasmania’s West Coast tourism organisation. Together they are owners and hosts of Ormiston House Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Strahan. Article was supplied to Think Tasmania by Mike Fry and is accompanied by photos taken by Dan Fellow.
I am so glad to hear this news, we are visiting in early November so please have the railway operating by then as it is on our itinerary.
LIKE!!!!!!
Fantastic news Mike. You’re the man on the ground to keep us posted on the future of Tasmanias best tourist attraction outside of MONA. Well done Mike. Let me know if you need my support with voluntary labour.
thanks Roger, will keep you and the team informed, will catch up at some stage, cheers, Mike
A logical and sensible decision. The domino effect throughout the West Coast would’ve been catastrophic if this major tourist attraction went under. Tasmanians would be surprised how many “mainlanders” know of this wonderful attraction. I was astounded when I first heard the line was to close in April. Well done to all who forced the turnaround in attitude.
What wonderful news thanks to all those people who put the time in to fight the battle. It just shows you that its not always black and white and the fight is worth it! Its on my list next time I’m up that way as well. I bet its on lots of peoples lists now that there has been so much publicity about it which is a very good thing!!
Awesome! And so it SHOULD be preserved and ensured that future generations of local and global tourists can access such magnificience that many of us here in Tas take so much for granted. WHEN will Tas realise what a stunning, important and enviable treasure we are as an environment – physically, socially in a world that’s largely forgotten what truly matters. As the Cherokee say – Seven generation thinking!
It is truly great news. We all know the future of this great state lies in tourism.
Just make sure the ticket prices are kept as low as possible. A full train with passengers paying $100 (eg only) is better than a half full train of passengers paying $130.
Will you be operational by October (28)th or (29)th 2013
Frank
Hi Frank. That’s a good question. You can register with DIER and they’ll notify you once a recommencement date has been finalised and booking services are available. Here’s a link to the Abt Railway page for you.
Hi Frank
The railway will be opening again, probably mid November at this stage. There will be an update in the not too distant future from the GM of the railway Phil Vickers. To what extent the railway will be travelling will be dependant on how the track work is progressing. We are advised at this stage that the through journey from Queenstown to Strahan may take a little longer to open. As soon as the time frames are known and the fare structure I will post accordingly.
Hi Frank
We contacted Dier Abt Railway regarding it being open mid November and they replied that it is very unlikely but could start around the end of November.