Grant keeps miniature railway chugging along

GEELONG’S only passenger carrying miniature railway has undergone a range of improvements as part of a refurbishment project.

The Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway received a $19,300 grant from the City of Greater Geelong Community Infrastructure Fund to complete the works.

Through the funding the railway was able to purchase new plastic sleepers, ballast and new fencing as well as signalling and security improvements.

Railway secretary Brian Coleman said the railway had purchased and stockpiled plastic sleepers to replace the current timber ones.

“Plastic sleepers are more reliable, they’ve got a longer life span than timber, and also saving a natural resource and using something that needs to be recycled like plastic, which is a great outcome for the railway and the community.”

New fencing between the signal box and the toilets has now been put up, making the area safer for visitors.

“That will now provide a greater safety barrier between the playground and the railway itself,” Mr Coleman said.

“Kids can’t inadvertently, accidentally run onto the tracks, so we think of that to be very important as part of occupational health and safety regime.”

Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway thank the City of Greater Geelong for allowing them to carry out the vital refurbishment work.

While some of the works have now been completed, the refurbishment and maintenance project will be ongoing.

The railway has a number of plans to ensure the attractions successful future, however is in need of more volunteers.

“We’re looking for people with skills like carpentry, fitting and turning, building, whatever to help us, even just down to the basics like running the station or working the signal boxes or even driving the trains,” Mr Coleman said.

“Anyone who’s got some time on their hands, retired, or looking for a new hobby, the railway makes an ideal new hobby.”

For more information, head to miniaturerailway.com.au or visit the Facebook page.