Construction of a new shed by Puffing Billy Railway has reignited tensions between the heritage railway and local residents who say they were not adequately communicated with about the project.
The new shed is being built within the railway corridor at Menzies Creek Station, but has drawn criticism for both its scale, proposed colour scheme and the lack of communication with nearby homeowners.
Menzies Creek resident, Zachory Benton, is arguably the most impacted homeowner by the new shed, it being located directly below his backyard.
However, it is his two and a half year old daughter, Saskia that will be truly devastated by the obstruction.
“The train is such an amazing part of her childhood, she absolutely loves it,” Mr Benton said.
“She comes out and waves to everyone as they’re going past all the time… And now that’s going to be mostly blocked off.”
Puffing Billy’s management has previously come under fire for a lack of transparency, most notably during a failed proposal brought to the table by Amplitel to build a 35-metre mobile phone tower on PBR land last year.
That plan was eventually abandoned after community backlash and intervention by the railway’s board.
The current works involve constructing an upgraded maintenance facility at a site historically used for undercarriage repairs.
PBR Facilities Manager, Eugene Makaay, communicated to Mr Benton that the work was necessary, stating, “the existing pit was well past its useful life and needed maintenance rectification works.”
“The structure updates are required to meet modern working conditions for staff,” Mr Makaay said.
Mr Benton said the communication of the structure sets a concerning precedent.
“What’s the next thing they’re going to look at building? The tower was a perfect example — something they didn’t communicate clearly until halfway through,” he said.
“I completely understand what they’re trying to do… but this just seems a bit over the top.”
Residents living within the Puffing Billy Corridor face strict planning requirements for their own properties — including restrictions on building height, setbacks, and even colour schemes.
Planning documents show that on 3 March 2025, PBR sought advice from Yarra Ranges Council as to required planning permits, who confirmed on 18 March, no planning permit was required under Transport Zone 1 zoning for railways.
Neighbouring resident, Bill Batten, said these double standards breed resentment.
“If I want to put up a carport, Puffing Billy gets to say what colour it is. But they can build a massive shed behind my neighbour’s house without even knocking on the door,” said Bill.
According to Mr Batten, Puffing Billy chief executive officer, Stephanie Stroud, has previously pledged a commitment to more community engagement, following the mobile tower dispute.
Mr Batten said he doesn’t fault her personally, but believes the organisation’s methods must change.
“All it would’ve taken was a letter, a conversation — just some basic decency,” he said.
“They say they care about the community, but they’re not living up to their own mission statement.”
On 1 May, Mr Benton contacted Puffing Billy Railway (PBR) to raise his concerns regarding the new shed.
The following day, Ms Stroud apologised via email, admitting PBR “should have communicated the intent to conduct works in the rail corridor,” and offered to meet with neighbours directly.
Mr Benton, via Yarra Ranges Shire Council, is now in discussion with PBR to discuss colour options for the shed, which was originally planned to be painted in PBR heritage colours.
Mr Benton described the choices provided as “uninspiring”.
“The best of the bunch was something that had semi-clear perspex on the top third, and green corrugated iron on the bottom two-thirds.”
Residents believe the project was rushed through without adequate community engagement.
“It’s not about opposing progress. It’s about working with the community to make it bearable,” Mr Batten said.
Both PBR and Yarra Ranges Shire Council declined to comment on the matter.
