Member for Bathurst Paul Toole today has announced that the NSW Government will provide another $1 million from its COVID-19 stimulus program to get the Zig Zag Railway back on track.
Mr Toole said the funding will breathe new steam into one of the region’s leading tourist attractions by supporting repairs and improvements to the site.
“This allocation from the COVID-19 stimulus program is fantastic news not only for the Zig Zag Railway but also our wider region’s ongoing appeal as a visitor destination,” Mr Toole said.
The $1 million stimulus upgrades will help replace the Bottom Points Workshop, which is the main storage and maintenance facility and is an integral part of the Zig Zag’s operations.
This long used building was partially damaged by recent bushfires, and was also reaching the end of its serviceable life, and is a critical part of Zig Zag’s return to operations.
The organisation has developed detailed plans and development consent has been granted by Lithgow City Council.
Chairman of the Zig Zag Railway Ben Lawrence said “This grant will allow us to expedite our proposed program of works in this precinct, allowing us to return to passenger hauled operations sooner than originally anticipated.”
“This latest funding is a major boost for restoration efforts and follows the recent removal of bushfire debris at the site under the NSW Government’s bushfire clean-up program.”
Mr Toole said “The Zig Zag Railway has been a highly popular tourist attraction for over 40 years and is a great example of NSW’s industrial heritage, but unfortunately it has had to endure years of recent disruption,”
“The railway was badly impacted by the 2013 bushfires, suffered more damage from torrential rain, and then had its planned return to operations stalled in 2019 after bushfires again struck further damaging its infrastructure.
“This latest funding will underpin the ongoing efforts of local volunteers to get the railway back on track so it can once again deliver the sights and smells of a bygone steam train era for thousands of annual visitors.” He said.
This takes the NSW Government’s total contribution over $3.5M, which is helping expedite this historic railways reopening.