Billy welcomes boost

By CASEY NEILL
PUFFING Billy has welcomed a $4.4 million boost over four years allocated in last week’s State Budget, but Monbulk MP James Merlino says the tourist icon was “dudded”.
Tourism Minister Louise Asher said the government recognised the importance of maintaining the attraction.
“The budget is shaped by the challenges of the present, but its focus is on securing the future,” she said.
“We will continue to work with the board to ensure Puffing Billy contributes to regional visitation to the Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley, as well as the preservation of the history of steam railways in Australia.”
Puffing Billy Railway CEO Eamonn Seddon said the cash was “a good start”.
“We recognise the challenges faced by the Victorian Government during the budget process and this funding will allow the railway to make a start on its infrastructure upgrade,” he said.
“The funding was very specific in the requirement for it to be spent on upgrading railway infrastructure and enhancing rail safety.
“As a consequence we are now determining the programme of works that will be carried out.”
Last September the Mail reported that Puffing Billy needed $26 million over the next five years to ensure it remained a tourist icon into the future.
Mr Seddon said money was needed to meet increased staffing requirements, start projects – such as a Belgrave café – to raise more revenue for the railway, and manage aging infrastructure.
“Whilst no capital funding has been provided for the long term sustainability of the railway, we look forward to working with both the Tourism Minister and Tourism Victoria in shaping the future capital works program for the railway,” he said.
But Mr Merlino said the government had been “dragged kicking and screaming to provide some funding for Puffing Billy”.
“This was thanks to a massive community campaign to save Puffing Billy including thousands of petitions,” he said.
“But the fact is, it is only a start and is nowhere near the $10 million commitment Labor made at the last election.”
Mr Merlino said Zoos Victoria would receive $13.7 million over two years.
“Why has Puffing Billy been dudded?” he said.
“This funding will absolutely not secure the future of the iconic Puffing Billy, one of Victoria’s most important tourist attractions.”
About 270,000 people will take a ride on Puffing Billy this year.
This is expected to increase to 300,000 in 10 years.