Council has given the green light to fund an independent feasibility study into a heritage themed miniature railway in the Geelong region.

The Geelong Miniature Railway is proposing to build a 7¼-inch and 5-inch miniature railway made up of engines and carriages tracks tunnels bridges a train station roundhouse and signal box.

 The voluntary not-for-profit association has so far been unable to find a suitable location for the project but plans for the site include playgrounds and children’s activities gardens water features toilets and carparking.

 Initial estimates from the Geelong Miniature Railway indicate that a basic railway with two locomotives and six carriages would cost $180 000 with a basic track layout budgeted at approximately $670 000.

 Council has given its in-principle support for the facility subject to the findings of the feasibility study and potentially a separate business case. However last night’s decision doesn’t commit any further council funding.

 A detailed investigation is expected to cost $50 000 and would include:

• an independent review of the current Geelong Miniature Railway business plan
• an operating model
• financial information including set-up and ongoing operational costs
• assessments of private and publicly owned land including costs and environmental risks and
• any potential legal and planning implications.

The study is a result of a successful Notice of Motion from Councillor Eddy Kontelj last night.

Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan 

A feasibility study will be useful in finding out if the project is achievable.

Volunteers at the Geelong Miniature Railway have come up with an exciting idea to attract more visitors to the region and engage with children which is worth investigating.

Councillor Eddy Kontelj 

The Geelong Miniature Railway group is a not-for-profit volunteer association made up of extremely community-minded people and miniature railway enthusiasts who have a real desire to contribute with the proposed railway as its vehicle for engaging with residents.

They are 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.

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.