By VICTORIA STONE MEADOWS and ANEEKA SIMONIS
PUFFING Billy’s future is in the hands of the community.
Emerald Tourist Railway Board is seeking feedback from the community on the strategic master plan for the railway as works are done to boost the tourism capacity for the iconic Hills drawcard.
It comes as La Trobe MP Jason Wood announces plans to recommission ‘Red Rattler’ trains to transfer tourists to and from the city centre as part of his ‘mega tourism destination’ plan for the Dandenong Ranges.
The board recently held community information and consultation sessions to get feedback from the community on future investment opportunities for Puffing Billy.
Draft development plans have now been published on the Puffing Billy Railway website.
The board is encouraging people to submit feedback on the plan as it undergoes review.
The master plan for the future development of Puffing Billy will include potential developments such as visitor accommodation as part of Puffing Billy, enhancements to railway precincts, and increasing railway infrastructure.
The board has cited increased visitation to the historic railway as the reason for investigating development and upgrades.
Those who wish to contribute to the development of the plan are urged to get in contact with the board via the Puffing Billy Website or comment submitted via masterplan@pbr.org.au
