Tasmanian Premier, Will Hodgman, has declared the unique experience of the West Coast Wilderness Railway as crucial to the region’s future tourism.
The Premier toured the railway workshop last month as part of a visit to the West Coast for the Cradle Coast Tourism Forum.
He took the chance to climb on board 120-year-old locomotives which are a key part of the experience.
“It is truly unique," Mr Hodgman said. “This type of authentic experience is what will bring people to places like Queenstown.
“What these workers are doing every day is bringing to life part of our history for Tasmanians and visitors to our state to enjoy, and they do it so well.”
The West Coast Railway recently had its best-ever biennial independent engineering inspection.
Railway General Manager Michael Saville showed off a new premium carriage which was under restoration because of the demand for the upmarket service.
Mr Hodgman also had the chance to meet a number of the workers who look after the trains and carriages, as well as keeping the track in good condition.
The Premier said last year the West Coast Wilderness Railway attracted 20,000 visitors and this year had the ambitious target of increasing passenger numbers by 25 per cent.
“In December, the railway achieved an important milestone with the reopening of the full length of the track allowing new experiences departing from Strahan.
“The Liberal Government's number one priority is jobs and we can see here how growing our tourism and hospitality industries can maintain and create employment for Tasmanians in a range of fields. We continued our support of the railway in the current budget, with $13.5 million committed over the next three years. While consideration is being given to longer term plans for the ongoing management of the West Coast Wilderness Railway, this government clearly recognises its importance to the region.”
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A. Mark Thomas
M&M Communications