The government of Tasmania is currently conducting discussions regarding the future of the West Coast Wilderness Railway, which plays a crucial role in the economy of both Queenstown and Strahan by providing significant employment opportunities.
In recent years, certain sections of the railway have been shut down due to the high costs and challenges associated with maintenance and repairs. Although the government expresses a desire to secure a sustainable future for the railway, specific plans on how to achieve this have not been disclosed.
On a rainy Wednesday morning in Queenstown, a crowd of eager passengers gathered at the railway station, excitedly waiting to board the first train of the day. However, this scene is not typical of a daily commute, as there are no commuter trains operating in Tasmania.
The West Coast Wilderness Railway is a historic steam engine owned by the state government, providing scenic journeys through the Tasmanian rainforest between Queenstown and Strahan. Despite experiencing high demand lately, with many train trips fully booked, there remains uncertainty regarding the reopening of closed sections, prompting current discussions about its future.
The railway is a favorite among tourists and dedicated steam train enthusiasts, often referred to as “puffer nutters.” A visitor from South Australia expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s absolutely fantastic. You’ve got the history, early settlement, rainforest, and steam. It’s just beautiful, magnificent.”
In the back carriage, a couple from the United States shared their excitement about the railway, which they had long wanted to experience after reading about it in a guidebook. “It’s a lot of fun; we’ve really enjoyed it,” they said.
Ian Robertson, the general manager of the railway, mentioned that the full train departing that day was indicative of the strong demand they have been experiencing. “We broke all records last financial year,” he noted. “This is where heritage meets heartbeat; people seek out something unique.”
Mr. Robertson has been tasked with steering the historic railway toward a stable future since he assumed his role three years ago, coinciding with a slow-speed derailment incident on the railway. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, but he decided to close the railway for the winter to conduct necessary track repairs, maintenance, and upgrades. “We only operate when we know our tracks and assets are in good condition,” he stated.
Due to these closures, the complete rail journey between Queenstown and Strahan has not been available to visitors for some time. In February, the government held the first of several “roundtable” meetings involving the railway, tourism agencies, and other stakeholders to address its future, although details of these discussions remain undisclosed.
Kerry Vincent, the Minister for Infrastructure, emphasized the importance of long-term planning and stakeholder engagement to secure a sustainable future for the West Coast Wilderness Railway. “We want to see the railway continue to thrive, recognizing its significance for the west coast community,” he said.
Recently, in parliament, Tourism Minister Jane Howlett was questioned about the possibility of further cuts to the railway’s services, including the potential permanent closure of the full route to Strahan. While she refrained from providing a direct answer, she referred to the ongoing roundtable discussions, acknowledging the high costs of maintaining the railway. However, she affirmed that the railway should remain a cornerstone of tourism in the area.
On the topic of potential federal funding, Ms. Howlett noted that the railway has operated without federal assistance since its reconstruction nearly thirty years ago. James Shugg, representing the Tasmanian branch of the Association of Tourist and Heritage Rail Australia, argued that federal involvement could be justified given the railway’s national and international significance as a tourist destination. “The state government is facing substantial funding challenges,” he added.
A spokesperson for federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King stated that the government is open to considering budget proposals from state and local authorities through standard budget processes. When asked if the state government was seeking federal funding, they did not provide a response.
Cyndia Hilliger, chair of the local tourism association West by North West, which is participating in the roundtable discussions, asserted that further investment in the railway’s future is essential. She expressed a desire among stakeholders to see the entire route between Queenstown and Strahan reopened, emphasizing that the key issue is how to fund the necessary repairs and maintenance.
