Ministerial Statement: 'Train whistle blowin' . All bound for Gympie town

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Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
The Honourable Desley Boyle
29/07/2010

'Train whistle blowin' . All bound for Gympie town

A Bligh Government grant of $70,000 will give the Mary Valley Heritage Railway (MVHR) some extra steam to power its activities in the months ahead.

Local Government Minister Desley Boyle announced the one-off grant to Gympie Regional Council today while inspecting the much-loved 'Valley Rattler'.

"The future of the MVHR, operator of the 'Valley Rattler' steam tours, will be brighter thanks to this $70,000 funding injection," Ms Boyle said.

"Our expectation is that the funding will be used to develop a forward business plan for the MVHR and thereby ensure its rich cultural heritage program will continue to entertain families for years to come," she said.

"The MVHR is an important part of regional Queensland's railway heritage and the grant will ease some of the financial pressures on the organisation which is planning a heady list of events and tours in the coming months.

"Its steam locomotives are a family hit, bringing thousands of visitors each year to take part in iconic events such as Race the Rattler and other themed train-ride events.

"Looking forward, there is Christmas in July on the 31st, the monthly Bushranger Holdups, Pirates of the Valley on September 24 and the Elvis Rail Rocker for Presley enthusiasts on October 9. These are on top of the regular tours and weekly trips."

Ms Boyle said many Queenslanders over the years have enjoyed the Santa Shuttles and, more recently, the Bollywood Express. She encouraged families to visit again or make a plan to book their first Valley Rattler tour soon.

"You'll be hooked," she said.

The MVHR is at the Old Railway Station, Tozer Street, Gympie. To make a booking, call 5482 2750 or email rattler@mvhr.org.au See www.thevalleyrattler.com

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