Council jumps aboard miniature railway with $50,000 feasibility study

THE City of Greater Geelong has given the go-ahead on an independent feasibility study into the viability of a miniature railway in the region.

Geelong Miniature Railway Inc. is one step closer to its Geelong-based railway as council will inject $50,000 towards a feasibility study, which was passed at last week’s council meeting thanks to Cr Eddy Kontelj’s Notice of Motion.

“It’s a fantastic step for the railway moving forward,” founder and president of Geelong Miniature Railway Brian Gray said.

“The study will take place to scope public interest and the railway’s direction.

“It was great of Eddy Kontelj, who has supported us all the way along, for pushing this forward and I’d like to thank the council for the $50,000 and believing in us.”

The railway’s seven-and-a-half inch and five-inch miniature railway, is expected to be made up of engines and carriages, tracks, tunnels, bridges, a train station, roundhouse, and signal box.

The voluntary not-for-profit association has so far been unable to find a suitable location for the project but plans for the site include playgrounds and children’s activities, gardens, water features, toilets and carparking.

Geelong Miniature Railway’s project indicates that a basic railway with two locomotives and six carriages would cost $180,000, with a basic track layout budgeted expected to amount to $670,000.

The independent study is expected to cost $50,000 and would include a review of the current Geelong Miniature Railway business plan, an operating model, financial information including set-up and ongoing operational costs, assessments of private and publicly owned land, including costs and environmental risks, and any potential legal and planning implications.

Councillor Eddy Kontelj said the Geelong Miniature Railway group is made up of community-minded people and miniature railway enthusiasts, who have a desire to contribute, with the proposed railway as a way to engage with residents.

“They are seeking to create a volunteer-run tourist attraction and fun park in Geelong – preferably in the northern suburbs – that would also provide the community with a form of affordable entertainment, and also education and training for young people,” Cr Kontelj said.

“They need land to develop the miniature railway and to do that they need the council’s support.

“They have strong support in the community, including from local Members of Parliament, schools, and prominent community organisations.

“The allocation of $50,000 for a feasibility study will give this group an opportunity to demonstrate the concept, feasibility and value of the project.”

Mr Gray said a petition for land to develop the railway is still available for more signatures on Geelong Miniature Railway’s Facebook page. Currently the total stands at 2,500.

The railway has also received more an 100 letters of support from local businesses and will conduct a membership drive in the coming months.