Local news for local people
The railway gets to another milestone
October 24, 2024
The Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway is another step closer to seeing trains running on the tracks. The track work between Oberon and Hazlegrove is completed, and this was celebrated on Friday, October 18.
Despite Oberon turning on its usual variable weather (a typical mid-winter day in the middle of spring), a good crowd turned out to celebrate. A couple of politicians even came along. There was a free lunch (made by Pick of the Bunch) so nobody went away disappointed.
Just some of the people enjoying the lunch.
Somebody couldn't wait until the cake was cut.
Federal MP Andrew Gee, OTHR President Greg
Bourne and state MP Paul Toole.
And at the Hazlegrove end ...
The tracks are in at Hazlegrove. The station is yet to come.
Federal MP for Calare, Andrew Gee had this to say.
Work Complete On Oberon To Hazelgove Rail
Line!
Bring On The Locomotives!
On Friday I joined members of the Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway to celebrate the completion of 5.5 kilometres of upgraded rail trackwork between Oberon and Hazelgrove.
This is a stunning achievement by members of the Heritage Railway and was made possible by a $1.5 million federal government grant I secured in 2019. It represents years of hard work and commitment from Heritage Railway members, with numerous obstacles overcome. Countless hours of volunteer labour have gone into bringing this historic railway line back to life which has been five years in the making.
The next step is to finalise state government approvals which will hopefully be completed in the coming months.
Once the approvals are in place, the Heritage Railway will begin taking visitors up and down the line in their vintage carriages pulled by diesel locomotives, which is very exciting! We’ll soon be hearing train whistles in Oberon again!
I have no doubt that Oberon will become a hugely popular destination for train and rail enthusiasts from around Australia and the world!
The re-opening of the line will showcase our rich rail history while at the same time providing a massive tourism boost to Oberon and the region. I can’t wait!
Many said that this couldn’t be done but Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway is no ordinary organisation.
The community should be very proud of all they have achieved!
Find us on Facebook