By Lucy Waldron
Queensland Rail has urged the community to remain hopeful as they explore alternative options following the recent closure of the Wallangarra railway line.
The decision to shut the Wallangarra to Stanthorpe railway route, damaged during the November fires, comes due to insufficient repair funds.
Wayne Prosser, acting head of regional at Queensland Rail, explained that the lack of funding hindered the restoration of the rail line, which is not currently utilised by Queensland Rail customers or freight services.
Consequently, the line will remain closed while Queensland Rail investigates potential solutions.
“In the meantime, we have been working closely with our heritage partners and are planning alternative routes for their train journeys,“ Mr Prosser said.
The closure of the Wallangarra line has cast uncertainty over the future of the Southern Downs Steam Railway, a significant heritage site in the region. Kelvin Hutchinson, Chairman of the Southern Downs Steam Railway said the site brought pride to the community.
“The loss of this railway not only impacts tourism but also erases a piece of Australia’s railway heritage,“ Mr Hutchinson said.
Responding to community concerns, Queensland Rail highlighted their collaborative efforts with heritage partners to preserve historical rail assets.
“We have been very supportive of Southern Downs Steam Railways (SDSR) by leasing, at a significant discount, one of Queensland Rail’s heritage steam locomotive (the C-17) for the last 12 months while their own steam locomotive undergoes major repairs. This lease has allowed the continuation of the association’s heritage activities in the community,” Mr Prosser said.
“This will have a significant impact on their operating model allowing them to diversify their services, undertake restoration works, sub-lease part of the building for an information centre and host functions in the future.
“It is hoped that this will allow them to gain new revenue streams and support viability into the future,” he said.
As discussions continue on the future of the railway line, Queensland Rail remains committed to exploring avenues that uphold heritage preservation and benefit local communities.
