Heritage trains will be back on the tracks under a NSW Liberals & Nationals Government, who today committed to providing a $5.5 million grant to re-open the Picton Loop Line.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance announced the NSW Rail Museum will receive funds to re-open the 152-year-old line between Buxton and Colo Vale.
“The NSW Rail Museum is so popular events often sell out a month in advance. Re-opening the Picton Loop Line will mean visitors can jump on a steam, diesel and railmotor train to travel directly to and from the Museum,” Mr Constance said.
“It’ll allow heritage trains to use the entire length of the track delivering a better experience for visitors and delivering more income for local businesses.”
Currently visitors using public transport have to catch a train to Picton, then a bus to the Museum.
$5 million will be spent re-opening the line, including building new picnic areas and shelters for the ‘Picnic Trains’. The grant will also fund the construction of new platforms at Hill Top and Balmoral.
The remaining $500,000 will be used to upgrade track infrastructure to allow the fleet of heritage trains to operate safely on the network.
NSW Liberal candidate for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith welcomed the commitment to boosting local tourism.
“This project really ticks all the boxes. It means visitors can enjoy a train ride directly to the NSW Rail Museum and there are huge economic gains for our local community.”
The Picton Loop Line is a 34 kilometre single track built in the 1860s, but it has not been in use for 44 years.