Work to get the iconic Zig Zag Railway is back on track and steaming ahead.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole has visited the historic tourist attraction at Clarence to inspect upgrades being undertaken to get the once popular tourist attraction up and running again.
Contractors are on site working on the improvements to the car park as part of ongoing upgrades made possible by funding of $3.5 million from the NSW Government.
Bushfires in October 2013 forced the closure of the Zig Zag Railway while the Gospers Mountain Fire in December 2019 caused further damage while the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic put plans to reopen back further.
Mr Toole said the car park upgrade marks the start of upgrades at the station proper.
“It was great to see work is progressing well on the $2.3 million, 400 vehicle carpark construction at the site,” he said.
“In the past the Zig Zag Railway used to attract around 60,000 visitors each year, so when we see it return to that level of visitation it will provide a huge economic boost to the local area.”
Chairman of Zig Zag Railway Ben Lawrence said that in October 2019, they were the recipient of a grant from the New South Wales Government to assist refurbishing the Clarence Precinct.
“This project, like many across the Zig Zag precinct, has been delayed due to fire, heavy rain, and the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“However, getting the car park in order is not only a massive job but also another step towards our return to passenger operations.
"After some unforeseen delays, I am pleased that construction is now progressing well and ties in with our expected return to passenger operations in the New Year.
"The car park is one of many projects currently underway at this historic location. Our tireless volunteers and industry partners are working feverishly to ensure our track, viaducts, stations, and rolling stock are in 'tip top' condition for when we are finally able to welcome visitors to Zig Zag Railway again.”