Puffing Billy Preservation Society, volunteers and other key persons’ voices will be heard through a new committee of stakeholders.
In State Parliament, Eildon MP Cindy McLeish instigated amendments to the Puffing Billy Railway Bill 2022 by forming the committee.
Ms McLeish said volunteers played a key role in ensuring the Puffing Billy thrived as a tourist destination.
“Changes made in the legislation will ensure these bodies can continue to offer their knowledge and expertise to the railway,” she said.
“The legislation provides for the ongoing management and sustainability of Puffing Billy, a significant tourism attraction.
“It updates provisions relating to corporate governance practices and the operation of the railway, while now aligning the operation of the railway with modern standards.”
Eastern Victoria Region MP Cathrine Burnett-Wake said Puffing Billy has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in the area due to years of volunteer dedication.
“These volunteers bring so much value and knowledge to the railway,” she said.
“For me, it was so important that they continued to have a voice moving forward.
“I was pleased that the amendments put forward by the Liberals, ensuring a stakeholder consultative committee, were incorporated into the Bill.
“This will allow the preservation society and other interested stakeholders to continue offering their expertise.”
The Puffing Billy has been operating for 121 years, originally transporting passengers, timber, livestock, mail and food.
Since it’s opening, the steam railway has transported over 11 million passengers and is now a major tourist attraction and a contributor to Victoria’s visitor economy.
