Funding to get more people on board the Bellarine Railway

THE next stage of upgrades for the Bellarine Railway will give it a facelift and encourage more visitors to the region.

Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas and Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney visited Drysdale Railway Station at the weekend to inspect early works on the project, which has just received $3.53 million from the Stimulus Round of the Labor Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund.

Stage one, which Labor previously supported with $300,000 of funding, includes the development of the turntable paddock at Drysdale Railway Station and improvements to community access, and will provide a base for the award-winning dining experience The Q Train, which travels along the historic Bellarine Railway.

Stage two will include an upgrade of 16.5 kilometres of track between Drysdale and Queenscliff.

The project aims to establish Drysdale Railway Station as a gateway for the Bellarine Railway in Geelong and transform it into a tourist destination for locals and visitors to enjoy.

The upgrades to the heritage line will benefit attractions including The Blues Train, Day Out with Thomas, train driver experiences and group charters, as well as family and special events.

Ms Thomas acknowledged the advocacy of Bellarine MP Lisa Neville in securing the funds to provide a strong future for the railway, as well as the Q Train and the Blues Train.

“This investment will benefit the Bellarine Peninsula’s visitor economy and create new jobs by taking advantage of the natural coastline, world-class wineries and tourist railway,” Ms Thomas said.

Ms Tierney said the works were not only about breathing new life into the Bellarine Railway, but also ensuring the future of the line.

“We know it will continue to be a popular drawcard, creating local jobs and bringing the community together,” she said.

The $46 million Regional Tourism Investment Fund’s Stimulus Round is part of Labor’s Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan, which is underpinned by an investment of $633 million.

It focuses on 30 key local projects that will create immediate jobs in construction, and drive visitation and ongoing employment.

For more information on the Regional Tourism Investment Fund – Stimulus Round and the Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan, head to the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions website.