World icon bid

By Tania Martin
A PUSH to have Puffing Billy placed on the National Heritage List has been labelled by a local action group as a real ‘feather in the cap’ for Belgrave.
La Trobe MP Jason Wood last week announced his intention to apply for the Sherbrooke and Ferntree Gully section of the Dandenong Ranges National Park and Puffing Billy to be heritage listed.
Belgrave Region Action Group (BRAG) chairman Ian Warburton said if Puffing Billy was heritage listed it would attract more people to the region.
Mr Warburton said the listing was a very good idea as it would place Puffing Billy in the ranks of world heritage listings.
He said the ranking would create interest from people living outside the area to visit Puffing Billy.
“It would bring more people to the area and not just to Belgrave, but other areas like Kallista,” he said.
Mr Wood said the heritage listing application was an excellent opportunity for the Dandenong Ranges National Park, Puffing Billy and the surrounding communities to gain the recognition that the area deserves.
Belgrave Traders Association president Andrew Rayment said the listing would be good for business in Belgrave as it has the potential to attract more people to the area.
Mr Rayment said it would not automatically boost business, but if local traders and individuals work together with other authorities in the area, it would be able to capitalise on the prestige of Puffing Billy being heritage listed.
Dandenong Ranges Tourism Association president, Lou Hesterman, said the tourism industry would be an automatic winner as a result of heritage listings, drawing more people to the area.
“A boost in tourism would just be an added bonus,” he said.
Mr Wood said if the application is successful the recognition would ensure that the heritage value of the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding areas would continue to be protected for future generations.
Puffing Billy chief executive officer, Andrew Stevens, has welcomed Mr Wood’s support for heritage listing.
Mr Stevens said Puffing Billy has been nominated on two previous occasions for heritage listing and been unsuccessful.
“We (Puffing Billy) hope that the initiative of our federal member is successful,” he said.
Mr Stevens said he hopes that linking Puffing Billy with its bordering environment will ‘make the difference’ and result in a successful outcome.
“The fact that earlier this year Puffing Billy was identified by the National Trust as one of five Victorian heritage icons emphasises the importance of Puffing Billy achieving national heritage listing,” he said.
Mr Stevens said that the joint application for heritage listing was a continuation of the railway’s connection with the surrounding Dandenong Ranges.
Mr Wood has encouraged anyone who would like to make comments on the proposed heritage listing to contact him before Thursday, 25 May when the application will be lodged.
Those wanting to make a comment can call Mr Wood’s office on 9762 4066.