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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“It’s a fantastic step for the railway moving forward,” founder and president of Geelong Miniature Railway Brian Gray said.<\/p>\n
“The study will take place to scope public interest and the railway’s direction.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“They are seeking to create a volunteer-run tourist attraction and fun park in Geelong \u2013 preferably in the northern suburbs \u2013 that would also provide the community with a form of affordable entertainment, and also education and training for young people,” Cr Kontelj said.<\/p>\n
“They need land to develop the miniature railway and to do that they need the council’s support.<\/p>\n
“They have strong support in the community, including from local Members of Parliament, schools, and prominent community organisations.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The railway has also received more an 100 letters of support from local businesses and will conduct a membership drive in the coming months.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n