By Peter Douglas
A proposed $9 million discovery centre at Emerald Lake hangs in the balance, after expected funding from the State Government failed to arrive.
La Trobe MP Jason Wood on Thursday 22 June took to Federal Parliament in a bid to convince the Victorian Labor Party to come good with funding, which would see the proposal gain further momentum.
Mr Wood last year announced a bold plan to turn Puffing Billy into a ‘mega tourism destination’.
Along with a discovery centre, this plan included the restoration of the Red Rattler trains, which would transport passengers from the Melbourne central business district to the Belgrave start-point of Puffing Billy.
The plan also included the creation of the Villages of Mount Dandenong Walk and the opening of the Bullen Bullen Indigenous Tours.
Mr Wood told the House that Victorian Labor is “all out of steam when it comes to our community”.
“With the beautiful Belgrave Trestle Bridge, it’s a fantastic trip (on Puffing Billy) where we have so many international and local tourists who basically sit out the back of an open carriage with their feet out,” Mr Wood said.
“However, when they stop at Lakeside, in inclement weather, they’re desperate to do something.
“That’s why in the last federal election, myself and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull committed $5.5 million to the Emerald Discovery Centre, something I’ve very proud of.”
Though Mr Wood said Victorian Labor failed to deliver during the recent State Budget.
“Sadly, though, in the last State Labor budget, we were expecting some good news, but the money did not arrive,” Mr Wood said.
“Can I call on the State Labor Government to get out there and actually support Puffing Billy.
“It’s internationally recognised … 500,000 tourists go there each year.
“Let’s get behind this; let’s create jobs and let’s create something Victorians will be proud of right across Australia and the world.”
During his speech, Mr Wood also praised the 400-plus volunteers and chief executive officer John Robinson for their work with Puffing Billy.
In April last year, Mr Wood visited Steamrail Victoria to discuss the restoration of the old Red Rattler trains with the Clark twins, Tom and Kevin, from the ElecRail Divison of Steamrail Victoria.
Kevin Clark said ElecRail had been enthusiastic about the proposal.
“ElecRail is currently working co-operatively with Metro trains to again enable the preserved Red Rattler to operate a special excursion,” he said.
“While fundamentally in good shape, the train needs a repaint … and safety enhancements are also required.”
