The City of Greater Geelong has given the green light to a feasibility study into a heritage themed miniature railway in Geelong’s northern suburbs.
The Geelong Miniature Railway is proposing to build a seven-and-a-quarter-inch and five-inch miniature railway, complete with engines and carriages, a fixed track, tunnels, bridges, stations, a roundhouse and signal box.
The council recently gave in-principle support for the facility, subject to the findings of a feasibility study and a business case.
The council voted unanimously to provide $50,000 for the feasibility study.
“The Geelong Miniature Railway group is … seeking to create a volunteer run tourist attraction and fun park in Geelong – preferably in the northern suburbs – that would also provide the community with a form of affordable entertainment, and also education and training for young people,” Cr Kontelj said.
“They need land to develop the miniature railway and to do that they need the council’s support.
“They have strong support in the community, including from local members of parliament, schools, and prominent community organisations.
“The allocation of $50,000 for a feasibility study will give this group an opportunity to demonstrate the concept, feasibility and value of the project.”
Geelong Miniature Railway founder and president Brian Gray the idea behind the miniature railway was to create an inexpensive family park, including children’s activities, gardens and water features, for the northern suburbs to enjoy.
“We’re ecstatic to receive the support from the council to do the feasibility study,” he said.
“We want to build something fun in Geelong or families to enjoy but also bring together people who have an interest in miniature railways.”
He said the group had looked at Sutcliffe Reserve in Corio, Fountain of Friendship Park in Norlane and Seagull Paddock as possible locations.
“I think this would be fantastic for Geelong and particularly in the north,” he said.
“This isn’t about making a profit – as long as we can cover our overheads, we want to raise money to put back into the community.”
Mr Gray said the group had already received support from Gateways Support Services, which had provided access to shed facilities for the group, and was working on a program to support the organisation’s clients with opportunities to learn practical skills.
Gateways client services and business development executive manager Tricia Bulic said the organisation was supportive of the group’s plan and was looking at the possibility of getting its interested participants involved in working on the trains and the park.
“We see this as a great opportunity for both us to help improve skills for people with a disability,” she said.
“For our participants, this would be another opportunity to develop their skills … in things like painting, using tools, safety and developing meaningful relationships.
“To have the group on-site [in the shed] and working together is a great opportunity for our participants that have an interest in hands-on work.”
Mr Gray said there had been significant community support for his plan, which had been in the works for several years, and the group would start running its portable track, which was funded by the Corio Norlane Lions Club, around the region to raise funds for the project.
