Queensland rail heritage grant funding has helped DownsSteam give historic railway assets better protection at the Drayton Railway Precinct in Toowoomba. The volunteer-run tourist railway received support through Queensland Rail’s community grants program, which backed not-for-profit rail heritage organisations across the state.

Queensland rail heritage grant aids DownsSteam
Photo: Queensland Rail

Queensland rail heritage grant supports DownsSteam

The funding was part of a $160,000 community grants initiative awarded late last year to mark 160 years of rail in Queensland. Its focus was on organisations that preserve Queensland’s rail heritage and keep historic railway stories connected to local communities. According to Queensland Rail, eight heritage organisations received $20,000 each through the program.

DownsSteam was among those eight recipients. The group was awarded $20,000 to replace the roof of its Restoration Shed, one of the key facilities at the Drayton Railway Precinct. The shed is used as the main workshop for maintaining, repairing and restoring heritage rail carriages, locomotives and equipment.

Restoration Shed roof protects heritage assets

DownsSteam President Ros Scotney said the previous roof had deteriorated significantly with age. Over time, exposure to harsh environmental conditions had caused leaks, raised structural concerns and added to maintenance demands for the volunteer-run organisation.

“The completion of this project has transformed our ability to restore and preserve Queensland’s rail heritage,” she said.

“Volunteers now have a safe, dry and secure environment to carry out their work, and our valuable heritage assets are far better protected.”

For Queensland Rail’s Nev Conway, the completed project showed how grant funding could turn into practical outcomes for both the community and the volunteers who look after rail history. She said the grants program was a way to give back to heritage organisations working to keep Queensland’s rail legacy alive.

“Seeing this project completed at the Drayton Railway Precinct highlights the importance of investing in the infrastructure that supports our rail history and the dedicated volunteers who care for it.

“It is more than a new roof, it helps to ensure Queensland’s rail heritage remains protected and accessible for generations to come.”

Other Queensland Rail community grants

Seven other rail heritage organisations also received $20,000 each under the same program. The earlier Queensland Government announcement said the heritage grants would support maintenance, repairs to rollingstock and community rail infrastructure, according to the Queensland Government statements portal. Australian Railway Historical Society Queensland received funding for a heritage-themed food truck at historic Grandchester station, while Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway gained support for track repairs and community partnerships.

Whistle Stop in Maryborough was awarded funding for an overhaul of the Mary Ann steam locomotive. Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway received support for the restoration of a Queensland Rail heritage carriage built in 1913.

Southern Downs Steam Railway in Warwick gained funding to overhaul a heritage diesel hydraulic locomotive. The Australian Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Woodford received support for restoring a former Queensland Rail railmotor carriage, while the Mary Valley Rattler was awarded funding for essential upgrades to a track machine to improve safe operations.