Funding for T&H operators

ONE million dollars in State Government funding has been awarded to fifteen Victorian tourist and heritage rail operators impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns.

Minister for public transport Ben Carroll said the funding will help make up for money lost in lockdowns, covering operational costs as the groups return to business.

“Victoria has the largest tourist and heritage tram and railway sector in the country, and the groups run popular tourist attractions and carry out essential work to preserve and protect the state’s transport history,” he said.

“Operators rely on the revenue they receive from running services and unfortunately like many tourism operators their operations were severely impacted last year.”

“We are now directing much needed funding to the groups, so they can pay their immediate costs and ensure their infrastructure is in good shape as their services get back up and running.”

The money was awarded based on assessments by VicTrack and the Department of Transport.

It follows the release of Preserving our rail history – a blueprint for the future earlier this year, outlining the steps to a sustainable future for the industry.