A historic-themed food truck and track repairs by two Ipswich heritage rail groups are among the targets for new state grant funding.
The government is giving $160,000 in community grant funding for eight non-profit groups as part of Qld Rail’s 160th anniversary celebrations.
The Australian Railway Historical Society Queensland and Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway (QPSR) are among the beneficiaries.
The society will now be able to buy a heritage-themed food truck for its historic Grandchester station, situated between Toowoomba and Ipswich.
QPSR will now be able to carry out track repairs and secure maintenance deals.
RAIL GRANT RECIPIENTS
Whistle Stop in Maryborough will overhaul the Mary Ann steam locomotive.
Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway in north Queensland will restore a carriage built in 1913.
Southern Downs Steam Railway in Warwick will overhaul a historic diesel hydraulic locomotive.
DownsSteam Toowoomba will install a new roof in their restoration shed.
Australian Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Woodford will now restore a motor carriage.
The Mary Valley Rattler will be upgraded to a track machine, reducing labour and improve its safety.
Minister for Transport Brent Mickelberg says the groups are among those that are keeping a passion for trains alive across the state.
“From north Queensland to the southern border, heritage groups play a vital role …,” he says.
Society President Steve Lamprecht said the grants will help fund a food truck at Grandchester station for tourists and residents.
“In Victorian times, Grandchester hosted picnics for early settlers; by establishing a food and coffee service, this grant will help us recreate some of that history,” Lamprecht says.
QPSR chairman Robert Shearer says they will use the grant to fund track upgrades, and bolster safety and reliability.
“The grant will also support our training program for the next generation of safety workers and track work apprentices, ensuring we keep giving back to our local community,” he explains.
Queensland Rail acting CEO Neil Backer says the one-off grants are a perfect birthday ‘gift’.
“With 160 years in Queensland, there’s no better feeling than being able to give back to the communities who are helping us preserve that history,” he says.
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