The future of steam and the preservation of rail heritage hinges on a report gathering dust.
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Maitland resident and 3801 engineer Garry Ballhause is part of a growing choir of discontent calling on its release.
“We need this report,” Mr Ballhause said. “We haven’t seen it and believe the bureaucrats have got hold of it.”
The inquiry promised a review of the state’s historic rolling stock assets and to map out how to best preserve that heritage.
Groups such as the Paterson Rail Motor Society contributed to the inquiry, which was completed in March, but six months on it remains out of reach to such groups.
Mr Ballhause said steam and rail enthusiasts were growing increasingly frustrated by the apparent mismanagement of assets by the NSW Office of Rail Heritage.
“The worst case scenario is the government wants to control it all which would discourage the volunteers who have contributed countless hours,” he said. “A lot of volunteers will walk away – a lot already have.”
In a letter to the Premier Barry O’Farrell and NSW Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian the Save Steam and Heritage Rail group call for the report’s release and changes to asset management.
“Since the NSW Office of Rail and Heritage took over management of the sector and the state’s precious operational heritage rail assets six years ago there has been a drastic decline in heritage rail experience opportunities for the general community,” it read.
“Urgent action is required.”
Ms Berejiklian declined to answer the Mercury’s questions regarding the release of the report on Thursday choosing instead to release the following statement: “The rail heritage sector is extremely important not only for volunteers, but also for the broader community.
“ The government is committed to ensuring a bright future for rail heritage and will take the necessary time to determine the best way forward.”