Rails 2 gold Feasibility Report
The Walhalla Goldfields Railway is pleased that the report from the Collaborative Evaluation and Research Center at Federation University on the feasibility of the extension of the line from Erica to Thomson station has been finalised. The study assessed the operational, economic, tourism, and community considerations. From the report “The overall objective was to develop a co-designed feasibility study for the reconstruction, commercial operation, and income diversification of the Erica–Thomson section. This includes understanding tourism market demand, determining infrastructure and service requirements, assessing the feasibility of the railway extension and upgrading facilities, and designing marketing strategies to enhance tourist visitation. The Feasibility study was led by the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, conducted by the Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre (CERC) at Federation University and funded by Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions as part of the Enabling Tourism Fund 2024.
Recommendations and Considerations:
Key challenges include volunteer capacity, governance, regulatory compliance, financial sustainability, and logistical constraints along the proposed extension route. Volunteers are central
to operations, and succession planning and targeted recruitment are critical for long-term sustainability. Strengthened governance, including enhanced financial, operational, and strategic
oversight, alongside proactive engagement with regulatory authorities, is essential.
While the proposed extension has the potential to generate substantial regional tourism and economic benefits, its financial viability will depend on coordinated support from government and
industry partners and recognition of broader regional outcomes. Opportunities exist to strengthen marketing, diversify revenue streams, and further enhance the visitor experience across existing and expanded operations.
Strategic Recommendations:
1. Volunteer Sustainability: Recruit younger volunteers, implement mentoring and training programs, and support engagement through accessibility initiatives.
2. Governance and Organisational Strengthening: Enhance governance structures, incorporate government representation, unify strategic leadership, and engage external expertise;
embed oversight of long-term capital works and the capital reserve fund.
3. Financial Sustainability: Develop robust multi-year budgets and long-term capital works plans, allocate at least 20% of annual income to a dedicated capital reserve, diversify
revenue streams, and pursue government grants and partnerships.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Maintain proactive engagement with ONRSR, strengthen risk management systems, and integrate safety into all expansion planning.
5. Tourism and Marketing: Position WGR as a premium heritage experience, develop immersive products and events, enhance digital marketing, and strengthen regional tourism
partnerships.
6. Operational Growth and Experience Enhancement: Improve visitor amenities, onboard experiences, themed events, and strategically expand operating days.”
The report will be available on this site in the future, or email office@walhallarail.com.au for a copy.
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