Lions Club of Yorke Peninsula Railway closure
The Lions Club of Yorke Peninsula Rail has decided to close the tourist railway.
The prolonged dry period, together with the excessive heat in January and February, caused extensive damage to the track and the major work required to reinstate the track is beyond the scope of the volunteer workforce.
If the repair work was to be contracted out, it is estimated the cost could exceed $1 million.
“Our members have taken the only responsible direction available to them. While the track condition had caused the immediate cessation of train services, the management had long been aware of other threats to the railway’s survival,” explains President of the Lions Club of YP Rail, Brian Reay.
“The rapidly deteriorating infrastructure and equipment, expensive fuel and parts, complex accreditation requirements and the ageing of a diminishing volunteer workforce all had to be taken into account.”
Mr Reay said the operation needed a large financial outlay to continue as a safe and reliable tourist operation, and the club would need to enter into substantial long term debt without being able to guarantee ongoing viability.
Marketing Manager and Treasurer, Peter Thompson, said the Lions Club of YP Rail had carried in excess of 35,000 passengers during its 15 years of operation and the volunteer staff had received excellent feedback from passengers on the quality of the service and the friendliness of the crew.
“It is with sad hearts that the members reached the decision to close,” he said. “And the club would like to acknowledge the help given by local service clubs and the contributions made by the District Councils of the Copper Coast and Barunga West.
“Our thoughts go out to the Bute community who will be adversely affected by the closure. They have worked so hard to provide our passengers with good facilities, meals and entertainment and our staff have enjoyed working with them immensely,” Peter said.
Yorke Peninsula Regional Tourism Manager Jo Barrie says the closure of YP Rail is not only heartbreaking for the organisation but a great loss for the whole region.
“The more attractions and activities we can offer visitors, the longer they stay.
“YP Rail and its team of volunteers have worked closely with us over the years to help promote not only the train but all of Yorke Peninsula, and their dedication and efforts are a credit to them all,” Ms Barrie said yesterday.
“The Marketing Board attempted to secure funding for YP Rail, and some may have been forthcoming, but it would fall far short of the estimated $1 million required.”
