By JESSE GRAHAM
THE future of the Yarra Valley Railway (YVR) has been secured, after a $3 million agreement was signed by the Federal Government and the council on Monday.
Casey MP Tony Smith and Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Jamie Briggs visited the Healesville railway station with a number of community members on Monday 31 March.
The ministers joined Yarra Ranges councillor Jim Child and Yarra Valley Railway (YVR) vice-president Brett Whelan in signing an official contract, securing an election promise of $3.56 million for the railway.
Mr Whelan said the funding would help complete the YVR’s infrastructure projects over the coming years, with the railway set to open between Healesville and Yarra Glen around 2016.
He thanked Mr Smith for his work in securing the funding, which was thrown into question after the former Federal Labor Government announced it mid-2013, shortly before the election was called.
Because of the government’s caretaker period, the funding was not able to be finalised, and Mr Smith made an election pledge that ensured the money would come through regardless of the winner.
“It’s fantastic to see a federal politician roll up his sleeves and get involved,” Mr Whelan said.
Healesville Chamber of Commerce president Graham Taylor, who last year was vocal in the campaign to secure the railway funding, said the railway was an important project for the Yarra Valley.
“This is the sort of project that just doesn’t come along, sometimes, in a lifetime, and it has come along,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to see something so positive happening.”
Mr Smith said the railway was close to the heart of the community and that the finished project would enhance visitation to the valley and bring tourists to local stores.
“This is the sort of project that will do something for businesses, to provide more customers so that they can fight harder to get ahead,” he said.
The railway is currently being redeveloped and rebuilt using volunteer labour and contractors, with new bridges and a new station building for Yarra Glen being erected.
For more information, visit www.yarravalleyrailway.org.au.
