AFTER several disappointing years the future is again looking bright for the Derwent Valley Railway Preservation Society, including a recent visit by Federal Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson to turn the first sod to start the construction of a building that will be used to restore railway passenger carriages.
The Derwent Valley Railway was granted $50,000 from the Federal Government through the Federal Member for Lyons, Dick Adams, to erect the building and to remove asbestos from a steam locomotive boiler.
DVR president Craig Farrell told the NNNews that the new building was essential to allow the society to restore carriages under shelter. “The DVR has not operated passenger trains for over two years but remains confident that DVR passenger trains will return in the near future,” Mr Farrell said.
“Rail tourism in Tasmania has tremendous potential for growth both as a local attraction and high end ‘Rail Cruises’ catering for international visitors. The DVR is working on business plans to gain financial assistance for rail tourism projects,” Mr Farrell said.
