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Protecting Puffing Billy

By Tania Martin

13th January 2009 02:03:38 AM

Puffing Billy Railway locomotive 6A is just one of the collections to be added to the state’s heritage list.

PUFFING Billy Railway has received the highest level of protection in the state after it was named on the Victorian Heritage Register.

The beloved steam train and popular tourist attraction and its rolling stock collection were added to the register last month in recognition of its historical and social significance to the state.

The listing follows a failed attempt in 2006 by La Trobe MP Jason Wood to have the Dandenongs and Puffing Billy jointly placed on the National Heritage List.

Built between 1898 and 1926, the collection includes three locomotives, six carriages and other vehicles that travelled on narrow gauge lines from 1899 to 1962.

The majority of these were originally from the old Ferntree Gully to Gembrook line.

Heritage Victoria executive director Ray Tonkin said the railway was an icon that had brought joy to generations of Australians.

“Riding the Puffing Billy Railway had been a popular activity for Victorians and tourists since the First World War,” he said.

“Today the tradition continues, allowing visitors to experience an otherwise forgotten era in train travel.”

Puffing Billy CEO Eamonn Seddon welcomed the move to heritage list the railway.

“This recognition and protection is great support for the ongoing care and promotion of our collection,” he said.

“We are working to continue sharing the Puffing Billy experience with generations to come.”

Mr Eamonn said the listing had also paved the way for the tourist railway’s application for national recognition in the future.

He said the heritage listing would definitely be a drawcard for the railway to attract more visitors to the area.

“I think people would be more aware of the historical significance and be more interested in coming to visit, not just for the train ride,” he said.