Rattler recovery well under way
THE next stage in the recovery plan to Re-boot the Rattler will be a workshop towards creating a recovery business plan for the Mary Valley Heritage Railway, Member for Gympie David Gibson said yesterday.
"The strategic workshop is being held by the business advisory group after a preliminary assessment of the MVHR identified opportunities for growth and restructuring," Mr Gibson said.
"It is envisaged that the workshop will result in a plan that identifies the strengths and opportunities in the MVHR and highlights what actions and support is needed in the wake of the suspension of rail operations. It is important that any plan incorporates the efforts of local volunteers who are integral to the success of the MVHR."
Mr Gibson said the goal of the workshop was to develop a shared vision for the future of the MVHR and the Mary Valley community and to determine the priority issues.
The results of the workshop will be incorporated into a written strategic plan which will be presented to state and local government and other organisations.
MVHR president Tony Hallam has welcomed the workshop and the business plan.
"This will be the basis of identifying what is needed to reduce the risk element as identified by the Rail Safety Regulator so passenger operations can occur," he said.
"The MVHR has welcomed the initiative, the input and the advice as given by the advisory group. The Gympie, Mary Valley and wider communities have realised how important the Rattler is to their social and economic life.
"I am hopeful that through the actions which will come from work of the advisory group and MVHR management, the Valley Rattler will return to the rails in a business model that will keep the Valley Rattler operating into the long-term future."
