Ministerial Statement: Heritage local gets new Mary Valley home: Bligh

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Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
24/08/2007

Heritage local gets new Mary Valley home: Bligh

24 August 2007

A heritage steam loco built by Walkers in Maryborough in 1950 will return to the region to secure the long term viability of the Valley Rattler.

"The C17 Locomotive, which is now at the Ipswich Rail Museum, is, now courtesy of the State Government, going to the Mary Valley Heritage Rail Society, operators of the Valley Rattler," said Deputy Premier Anna Bligh.

"The news is fantastic for locals and for Queensland's broader tourism industry.

"The Valley Rattler is a Queensland icon that draws over 28,000 tourists each year to the region," she said.

"The Mary Valley Heritage Rail Society has been in a critical situation with only one working locomotive, and securing a second locomotive is essential to sustain its long-term operations.

"When their existing C17 loco breaks down, the Society has to cancel its services. Given the age of the locomotives, the additional train will ensure that they are able to continue operations throughout the year."

Today, the Mary Valley Heritage Society reached agreement with the Queensland Government to acquire the loco from Queensland Rail.

The Queensland Water Infrastructure company (QWI) will fund the necessary $65,000 as part of its commitment to encouraging tourism and supporting the Mary Valley Region's economic viability.

The Valley Rattler is not affected by Stage 1 of the proposed Traveston Crossing dam.

The agreement is one of many initiatives that the company will undertake to ensure sustainable tourism and long term economic viability within the region.

Media contact: Deputy Premier's Office 3224 4600

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