The Railway Heritage Centre of ()

Proposal December 1999 Contents

Project Description

Executive summary ...... 1

1. Preface ...... 2

2. Background ...... 3

3. The opportunity ...... 6

4. The benefits ...... 12

5. The formal proposal (request) ...... 13

6. A suggested way ahead ...... 14

7. Acknowledgements ...... 18

Illustrations

Appendix A: Inspection of

Appendix B: Project Plan – RHCV Establishment

Appendix C: Proposed Tour Itineraries Project Description • Executive summary and preface • Background • Opportunity • Benefits • Proposal Centre of Victoria A proposal for the establishment of a Railway Heritage Centre at Newport Workshops

Executive summary

The redevelopment of the existing Newport Workshops and the financial return it provides for the State Government presents a very favourable opportunity to develop a Victorian Railway Heritage Centre.

The historic 1880s buildings demonstrate, by their size and flamboyant architectural style, the importance of railways to the Colony at the time of their construction. It is impossible to understate the importance of the contribution that the railways made to the development and the wealth of Victoria, and the Railway Heritage Centre would enhance and exemplify this.

The development of the Railway Heritage Centre will require support and funding from the State Government in order to develop a detailed business plan and implementation strategy. Once established, funding would be sought from a number of different sources.

We see the proposed development as an excellent use for these heritage listed buildings in an important historical area of . The Railway Heritage Centre location is close to other major museum and tourist centres in the area.

The 150th anniversary of railways in Victoria (and ) in September 2004 is seen as a most significant date worthy of celebration with a grand opening of the fully restored Railway Heritage Centre.

Section 5 of this proposal details our formal request for the establishment of the Railway Heritage Centre with support from the State Government and the wider community.

When completed, this Railway Heritage Centre will achieve worldwide recognition and status of which all Victorians can be well proud. It will be a permanent valuable asset for all future generations.

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1. Preface

The major significance of railways in the economic and social development of most countries in the world is now universally acknowledged.

Here in Australia, the development of railways dates back to September 1854, when the first ran from Flinders Street station to Sandridge (now Melbourne). From this time, railways have played a major role in the industrial, commercial and social history of Victoria.

Volunteers in our State have accepted responsibility for the preservation of railway heritage, with various organisations participating in the maintenance of railway artefacts, buildings, and rolling stock. The State Government has generally supported these efforts.

The operation of tourist railways, with preserved track and rolling stock, helps to ensure vital elements in Victoria’s heritage are carefully maintained for the benefit of future generations.

The historic Newport Workshops were built initially in 1884–1888. They are shortly to become totally available, and we believe that they would form an appropriate setting for the Railway Heritage Centre of Victoria.

The management structure for such a centre could take various forms. We believe it desirable that RHCV becomes part of Museum Victoria, thereby taking advantage of the considerable expertise and experience of that body.

The combination of a railway museum, working railway activities, rail connection to the current railway system, and a fire engine museum within the setting of these historic buildings would form a museum complex of international significance.

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2. Background

In order to fully appreciate the nature of this proposal, it is useful to consider the current status of the Newport Workshops site, and the nature of the various heritage related activities taking place at this location.

2.1 The existing Railway Museum at North Williamstown

2.1.1 Location and size The current site has been home to the Railway Museum for 38 years since its inception. Its size currently limits any further development for new exhibits and further display of artefacts.

2.1.2 Exhibits The many exhibits (more than 45) including locomotives, carriages and other rolling stock are currently maintained and displayed to a very high standard, but the outdoor marine environment has a major impact on their long-term preservation.

2.1.3 Need to vacate the current site It is understood that the current site will have to be vacated for the redevelopment of the whole Workshops area. This pressing need provides the catalyst for the relocation of the existing museum. The East Block will enable the collection to be better protected, preserved and presented. A move to the East Block at Newport Workshops will also provide additional space for the large amount of museum material currently stored at other locations.

2.1.4 Long recognised need to place exhibits under cover It has been recognised for many years that adequate shelter is required for the exhibits, considering that some items are over 100 years old and require constant remedial work. The salt air in the Williamstown area makes the move to a covered location all the more important. An under cover display will make a visit to the museum an all year round activity providing an attractive winter proposition, allowing for increased patronage.

2.2 Rail Works activities

The whole of the operations undertaken in this area is seen as a necessary and essential part of railway heritage preservation and presentation to the community. The groups involved work in harmony and have considerable skills and abilities to assist each other in their similar endeavours to reach common goals.

2.2.1 Constituent parties The groups currently using the West Block and surrounding area are responsible for the preparation and maintenance of locomotives (steam, diesel and electric) and heritage passenger carriages which, together with rail motors and suburban electric , are regularly used for heritage rail tours.

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The separate parties in the West Block are represented by Rail Works (an incorporated body). They comprise:

• ;

• 707 Operations;

• Elecrail;

• Rail Motor Group; and

• Fire Services Restoration Group.

The activities of these groups are summarised as follows:

Steamrail

Steamrail is an incorporated organisation that has been in existence for 34 years. It plays a very important role in the restoration of locomotives and rolling stock, mainly passenger carriages for operation in special trains. Its restoration and maintenance facilities and activities make it the major presence in the West Block including the Tarpaulin Shop and surrounding area.

Steamrail is widely known in Victoria for its train operations (both vintage and more modern) and the display of operating railway heritage vehicles throughout both metropolitan and country Victoria.

Steamrail has the ability to organise, promote and operate its own excursions and also provides trains for hire to any interested party.

707 Operations

This group has its origin in the Engineman’s Union and comprises mainly present and former railway staff. Its primary function is the restoration of locomotives to operating condition. It has been regularly participating in vintage train operations in Victoria over the last twenty years. 707 Operations hold little rolling stock with which to run their own trains, but offers motive power for most kinds of train operations. It occupies its own allocated restoration and maintenance area within the West Block.

Elecrail

Elecrail is an affiliate of Steamrail. It restores, maintains and operates historic (‘dog box’) and (sliding door) suburban electric trains. They also operate mainline electric locomotives on special excursion trains. Their operations cover the whole of Victoria’s electrified rail network.

Rail Motor Group

This group has the specific responsibility for the restoration and operation of rail motors. It is a more recent occupant in the West Block and, like the others in this precinct, makes its vehicles available for excursions, operations and hire.

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Fire Services Restoration Group

This is a volunteer body comprising people interested in the restoration of Fire Services road vehicles. It is currently located in the Centre Block, an extended annex behind the Administration Building (Clock Tower). This group’s primary activity is the restoration and display of items to be exhibited at the Eastern Hill Fire Services Museum.

2.3 The current use of the former Newport Workshops buildings and areas

The current Newport Workshops site covers a very large area and comprises:

• Operating railway workshops

• Storage of disused material (most notably disused )

• Heritage classified buildings no longer used for workshops purposes

• Steamrail depot

• Other heritage railway works

• Bayside Trains railway depot

• Fire Services restoration workshops

The principal focus of this submission is on the following areas, each of which is clearly marked and identified on the Site Development Plan:

2.3.1 East Block area This area is currently used as a storage area for trams and other disused ex PTC vehicles. Parts of this building are in poor condition.

2.3.2 West Block area Currently used for restoration and storage of heritage vehicles, including locomotives, carriages, rail motors and various components. Parts of this building are in poor condition.

2.3.3 Centre Block This block contains the restoration area and works area of the Fire Services Museum located next door to Eastern Hill Fire Station in Melbourne.

2.3.4 Tarp Shop This area is the focus of Steamrail’s and heritage vehicle maintenance activities.

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3. The opportunity

3.1 The historical background of the Newport Workshops

As noted in earlier heritage studies, the Newport Workshops has been the ’ main workshop for the last 100-plus years. It was one of Victoria’s largest and best-equipped engineering establishments with up to 5,000 employees at its peak.

The Newport site was established in 1888 at which time the large masonry buildings were completed, based on British railway workshops design of that time. The high quality of craftsmanship reflects the time of booming prosperity and confidence in Victoria.

The many elements of the group are a central office block and clock tower, a central block of light workshops, the ‘East Block’ for carriage and wagon building, painting and finishing rolling stock and woodworking, and the ‘West Block’ for heavy engineering, boilermaking, blacksmithing, machining, locomotive building and repair.

1905–1915 saw a major expansion of the workshops with corrugated iron clad extensions added to the original masonry buildings. This followed the decision to manufacture locomotives at Newport Workshops instead of purchasing them from commercial suppliers.

A further major expansion programme in 1925–1930 provided a new complex of buildings at the eastern end of the site and saw staff increase to 3,000, making it one of the largest workshops in Victoria. This latter group accommodates current railway workshops activity and is now in the process of being sold to allow for site redevelopment. It is not included in the area proposed for the Railway Heritage Centre.

3.2 The heritage status of the older Workshops buildings

Heritage Victoria has classified the buildings as having varying degrees of cultural significance – notably the East and West Block buildings, the Central Block and Clock Tower buildings and the Tarpaulin Shop.

The entire area proposed to house the Museum component of the Railway Heritage Centre has been classified by the National Trust of Victoria. Certain items of equipment have also been classified, and will be retained as important elements in the Museum display. These include a very large steam hammer, a rope driven crane and a stationary steam engine located in the East Block basement.

When refurbished, the buildings will form a handsome and entirely appropriate setting for the Railway Heritage Centre.

3.3 The condition of the buildings

The structural condition of the existing buildings varies considerably. The masonry workshop with cast iron columns and steel trusses appear to be generally in good condition, with some settlement on the north elevation.

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There is substantial settlement in some areas of the metal clad sections of the workshops, and certain sections of the timber framing need refurbishment. While building services are generally in fair condition, some aspects such as storm water drainage also require attention and refurbishment.

A preliminary inspection of the buildings has been carried out by Engineers & Services Pty. Ltd. and has assessed the likely cost of basic restoration of the buildings (to bring them up to habitable condition) at $1,365,300. The report of this preliminary survey is appended to this submission (Appendix A).

It should be noted that this preliminary survey is sufficiently accurate for use as a concept estimate only, and further detailed assessment is clearly needed. It does not allow for the variety and quality of internal finishes required for Museum display.

3.4 The expected changes to the Newport Workshops site

The sale of the Newport Workshops has reached the final stages. It is understood that under the terms of this sale, the existing workshops site (including the current ARHS Railway Museum site at North Williamstown) is to be vacated within 2 years, and all industrial activity is to be relocated by the purchaser. Most of the land currently occupied will be sold for re-development. It is also understood that existing Bayside Trains’ operations will be relocated within 2 years. The four areas mentioned in 2.3 above carry Heritage classification and will thus need to be protected.

The establishment of the Railway Heritage Centre at Newport using these four areas presents a splendid opportunity to:

• Vacate the current site of the ARHS Railway Museum (which occupies prime location for real estate);

• Provide much needed cover and amenities for the Museum and other heritage railway operations; and

• Provide fitting and appropriate use for the very fine heritage buildings on the site.

3.5 The development of a coordinated plan

While this concept and proposal grew initially from the need to move the ARHS Railway Museum from its current site, all parties currently using the old Newport Workshops area have taken the opportunity to develop a coordinated forward development plan for the precinct’s restoration and future development.

3.5.1 Railway Heritage Centre Development Group A voluntary committee was established in March 1999 with the express purpose of developing this proposal. It comprises:

• ARHS Committee of Management;

• ARHS Railway Museum Management Committee;

• Steamrail; and

• Rail Works.

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3.5.2 The process This committee has met at least monthly since its inception, and its members have contributed much in the way of extensive consultation, site inspection and plan development. As well as extensive consultation within the committee’s constituent bodies, there has been consultation with:

• State and Federal Members of Parliament

• The State Government Department of Infrastructure

• The PTC

• Local Government (particularly the City of Hobsons Bay)

• Museum Victoria

• Tourism Victoria

• The Federal Government (including a site inspection by Senator McGauran, Minister for The Arts)

• Major railway museums in Britain and the USA

• The Victoria University (formerly the Newport College of TAFE)

3.6 The proposal for the Museum

The proposal to transfer the existing ARHS Railway Museum from its existing site on Champion Road near the North Williamstown Station to the East Block has been developed to enable the available area to be extended considerably in order to create a world class museum. This section outlines this proposal.

3.6.1 Proposed utilisation of the site and buildings A brief outline describing the proposed use of each of the major elements of the site follows. It will be useful to refer to the Site Development Plan to enable a more complete understanding of the concepts proposed.

3.6.2 East Block It is proposed that the East Block house the majority of the Railway Museum exhibits and collections. The building is well endowed with open space and plenty of natural light. Plans have been developed to the concept stage, and these are illustrated and described elsewhere in this document and illustrated on the Site Development Plan.

3.6.3 West Block The West Block will continue to be used for Rail Heritage restoration work, with some shared and some discrete facilities for the several organisations involved.

While the prime purpose of this area will be to house restoration facilities, it is planned that properly controlled and limited public viewing of work in progress will be possible to provide insight into some of the heritage industrial equipment located here.

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3.6.4 Clock Tower This centrepiece building will be suitable for the following:

• RHCV administration functions;

• Heritage organisation offices and resources facilities;

• Franchised restaurant and café; and

• Archives and related historical material and mounted displays.

The remainder of the Centre Block will continue to be used by the Fire Services Group for restoration and possible display purposes.

The water tower near the main entrance may be used as an interesting venue for small exhibits. By its very nature and position, it will become a prominent feature of the Centre.

3.6.5 Tarpaulin Shop This area will continue to be used for Steamrail carriage repairs and restoration. Further development of the area surrounding the Tarpaulin Shop is also envisaged. New tracks will be laid to allow access from the south side. The Site Development Plan shows allowance for other features to be added to this area.

3.6.6 Other features These include:

• A feature park, ‘George Brown Park’ (described later in this proposal) with a miniature railway pro- vided.

• A fitting War Service Memorial to ensure continued respect to former Railway Staff who served their country in a number of wars.

• Viewing areas from which restoration works can be safely viewed.

3.6.7 Museum display Much work has been put into development of the concept plan for the Museum at its new location. Features envisaged at this stage include but are not limited to:

Collection of locomotives and rolling stock

• Most of the steam locomotives in the Museum display were built in Victoria at either the Newport Railway Workshops or the Phoenix Foundry, . Others were built in Great Britain and the U.S.A. The most famous of these is H220, one of the largest steam locomotives in Australia.

• Approximately 80 exhibits would be displayed at the Museum section of the Heritage Centre, covering over 100 years of locomotives and rolling stock.

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Display of past, current and future railway roles

Display material in this area could include:

• Models of various locomotives built at Newport including sectioned models of steam, electric and diesel locomotives illustrating technical details;

• Civil engineering displays, with models of bridges and other significant railway structures;

• Example of various railway signals showing the technology development and its impact on changing railway operations;

• Displays showing the social impact that railways have had in the development of the State and the Nation as whole;

• Display of potential future rail technologies (for example, the proposed fast rail link from Melbourne to the ); and

• Outdoor exhibits, including a railway station with freight handling facilities and signalling functions.

Visitor facilities

A wide range of visitor facilities would be available to include such items as:

• A theatrette with modern audio-visual equipment;

• Refreshment and catering facilities;

• An educational area for schools and other group visits;

• A miniature railway with BBQ areas; and

• Access facilities for disabled patrons.

Museum entrance

A spacious and eye-catching entrance would be located at the corner of East Block with facilities to include:

• Ticket selling for the museum and other tourist facilities in the area;

• Adjoining sales areas plus related tourism information; and

• Other significant visitor facilities located close to the entrance.

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Historical display of Newport Workshops

A significant display covering the history, development and the varied roles of the workshop over its 100 year plus history.

This display could include:

• Various stages of construction and development of the workshops;

• The role of the workshops during both world wars;

• The human interest showing various roles of staff and structure of workshops;

• Significant engineering items within the workshops, including the steam engine which was once used to power all machinery in the East block, and elements of preserved machinery throughout the work- shops;

• Displays designed to exhibit and acknowledge the contributions of Newport Workshops staff including apprentices, artisans, engineers, labourers and clerical grades over the century. There are many photo- graphs and other exhibits available which will amply illustrate daily life at Newport Workshops; and

3.6.8 George Brown Park This park is a memorial to the late George F. Brown, a person of excellence and foresight, Victorian Railwayman and Railway Commissioner who had the vision to see the necessity of the preservation of railway heritage in our State. This park will replace the existing George Brown Park at the current Museum site.

Located within a landscaped setting, facing the arched facade of the Workshop and adjoining paved walkway, this park will contain the following features:

• Open ground for social functions and recreation activities;

• A miniature railway suitable for trains carrying between 10 and 20 passengers around a circular track. The 7¼" gauge would be compatible with a number of miniature railways around Melbourne, allowing participation by different groups as appropriate. Locomotives could be steam, battery-electric or petrol powered. A station and unloading facilities for visiting locomotives would be provided;

• Public toilets with facilities for people with disabilities and for parents with babies or young children;

• Barbecue equipment; and

• Children’s playground equipment.

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4. The benefits

The establishment of the State Railway Heritage Centre is seen to contain great benefit for the State of Victoria. A brief list of such benefits includes:

• Preservation of a unique collection of Victorian Railways artefacts, memorabilia and preservation of Victorian industrial history;

• Development of the site at Newport to provide world class facilities for the housing of the heritage collection;

• Provision for the care and ideal ongoing use of the heritage site and buildings;

• Provision of a museum and heritage precinct, which will supplement Scienceworks, the developing Williamstown Maritime Museum and the Point Cook Air Force Museum in the area;

• Provision of a suitable and efficient base depot for the maintenance and operation of special excursion trains using heritage motive power and rolling stock;

• The opportunity for the development of substantially increased tourism in the area;

• Development of strong community links, involvement of local business – on site retail, entertainment, dining etc.;

• Enhancement of the quality and value of the surrounding residential area;

• Development of a repository of historical records to provide an educational resource to the public, schools and universities;

• Provision of a historical reference facility for railway heritage;

• Provision of a ‘living’ museum experience for the community;

• Provision of an accessible, safe and interactive museum site suited to all potential visitors;

• Provision as an educational source for the progression and development of Victoria’s industrial and social history; and

• Opportunity for participation by local community groups and organisations.

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5. The formal proposal (request)

This submission seeks to establish Government and broader community support for the proposal to establish the Railway Heritage Centre on the heritage classified site of the Newport Workshops.

While the Committee formed to develop this proposal believes the establishment of the Railway Heritage Centre will be of great value to the State, the size of the task has not been underestimated. Clearly the development is well beyond the means and resources of the constituent bodies behind the proposal.

A suggested way ahead is detailed in the following section (Section 6). This suggestion seeks to:

• Satisfy the immediate need to move the ARHS Railway Museum from its current site, for which pro- posals have been put forward for alternative uses;

• Provide an appropriate and sympathetic use for the heritage classified buildings at Newport Workshops;

• Provide for the development of a heritage railway restoration, operation, maintenance and display centre;

• Provide the community of Victoria with a world class establishment which will add to the existing variety of fine museums in the area; and

• Add significantly to tourism and cultural activity in the area, for the State and the Nation.

Specifically, the support of the State Government of Victoria is sought for the project and the concept of the Railway Heritage Centre of Victoria.

It is envisaged that this support will initially:

• Allow formal and detailed discussions with relevant bodies to commence;

• Provide financial support for the further development of the business plan, the preparation of the site and the development of detailed restoration and construction plans;

• Establish an appropriate management structure for the development of the project; and

• Establish an appropriate structure for the continuing management of the Centre.

Accordingly, this submission is forwarded to the Premier, Ministers for , other State Government Departments and community stakeholders for their perusal, consideration, deliberation and response.

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6. A suggested way ahead

It is stressed that the following suggestion is only one of a number of different processes which might possibly be used to make progress towards the goals established in this submission. It is understood that the full development of the Railway Heritage Centre may take several years, and that proper management of the Centre will provide for its continuous development.

For illustrative purposes, an indicative broad project plan covering a five-year period has been developed, and is shown in Figure 1. Further details of this plan have been developed, and appear as Appendix B.

6.1 Initial works (relevant Government department)

The site needs to be cleared, particularly the East Block and Centre Block. This is believed to be the responsibility of the site’s current owner, VicTrack. In particular, the large number of disused trams need to be removed, care being exercised to save a number of valuable heritage trams which should ideally be restored and exhibited.

The buildings then need extensive restoration and modification to render them suitable for the intended purpose.

6.2 The establishment of a management body

The existing Committee has been adequate to develop this submission to the presentation stage, but a much broader and deeper range of skills and resources will be needed to manage the project to the next stage of development and implementation.

When the project has been adopted and appropriately supported, a formal (possibly incorporated) body will be needed. This body (Board) should have appropriate representation from State Government (particularly the Department of Infrastructure and Museum Victoria), Local Government and all stakeholder groups including all those currently involved in activities at the site.

A body along the lines of the Emerald Tourist Railway Board is suggested as one possible model. In the early stages, considerable financial and technical skill will be essential for the efficient execution of the development plan.

6.3 The development of the site as the Railway Heritage Centre of Victoria

One of the earliest tasks will be the development of detailed plans for the restoration of the site, the movement of the Museum from its current location and the ongoing development of the whole Railway Heritage Centre precinct.

6.3.1 Project management Professional project management covering the full spectrum of project activities and accountabilities is seen as a vital component of the Railway Heritage Centre. This might best be provided by an appropriate Consulting House. The Project Manager would report to the Board.

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6.3.2 Design The detailed design of the Railway Heritage Centre will need careful consideration in the early stages of the project to ensure that all works are in harmony with the envisioned end result. It is stressed that the Site Development Plan and other illustrations forming part of this submission are indicative concepts only, and are intended to convey our vision of the possible developments. As the plan develops, a broader range of inputs will allow further development, which may lead to the final detailed plan being somewhat different to those presented here.

6.3.3 Construction, renovation and landscaping works These works are seen as essential in the early stages of the project, and will consume considerable resources. It is pointed out that care and maintenance of the heritage classified buildings will be required in any case. The nature of the works required is well beyond the capacity of the voluntary bodies involved and will require major contracts.

6.3.4 Movement of the Museum A detailed plan is being developed to manage the movement of exhibits from the existing Museum site and from other locations to the East Block. While many of the items can be moved on their own wheels, some assistance will be required to:

• Restore tracks;

• Provide motive power; and

• Lift and transfer fragile and static exhibits.

Ample expertise exists among current Railway Museum staff to determine these needs and advise on the best way of effecting the transfer.

6.4 The resources required

Clearly the resources required for the development of the Railway Heritage Centre of Victoria will be considerable, and in this respect, this proposal seeks support from the broadest possible base.

6.4.1 Finance The funds required to develop the Railway Heritage Centre of Victoria have not been fully evaluated, but it is clear that funding to the extent of at least $10,000,000 may be required over a five-year period.

While funding assistance from the State Government is sought for the immediate development of plans and feasibility studies, ultimately significant funding can be expected from the corporate sector, particularly from corporations which have depended on the railway industry over the years. Such contributions could be for both capital development works and ongoing sponsorship. On the assumption that the Railway Heritage Centre is of appropriate quality, the contribution by members of the public entering the Railway Heritage Centre of Victoria will also be considerable.

The full extent of financial resources required will depend very much on the outcomes of the detailed Project Development Plan and the Business Plan.

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6.4.2 Ongoing (Operations) management of the Centre Following the development of the Railway Heritage Centre, the Board may possibly be reconstituted to ensure an appropriate mix of skills to manage the ongoing everyday affairs of the Railway Heritage Centre of Victoria. This task includes:

The Museum

The Museum will be a much larger and busier facility than the one it replaces, and will require full time professional management and supervision. A separate Board of Management with full input from the current ARHS Railway Museum Management and possibly incorporated with or overseen by Museum Victoria is seen as one of several appropriate models. A Business Plan is seen as a very necessary early step in order to determine the appropriate resource structure required.

Rail Works

Equally important is the appropriate management of the West Block activities currently undertaken and coordinated by Rail Works. The expansion of these activities and their exposure to public access will require careful and professional management.

The West Block activities provide for the actual train operations and the restoration of all items used both in the Museum and in heritage rail excursions. As such it is seen as an integral and complementary part of the Railway Heritage Centre of Victoria.

Proper coordination of all of the activities in the Centre will be vital, and the Board will need to ensure that appropriate management structure exists to achieve this aim.

Heritage rail tours

Considerable scope is seen for the continuation and further development of rail tours and excursions incorporating heritage rolling stock and motive power. These are currently managed by Steamrail, Elecrail and the Rail Motor Group, with assistance from 707 Operations.

Additional scope is seen in developing regional and metropolitan tours taking in a number of the heritage features. An indicative possible itinerary has been developed as an example, and appears as Appendix C.

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6.4.3 The Business Plan It is recognised that a sound business case must be prepared for the establishment and development of the railway heritage project at Newport. It is has not been possible to develop such a business plan as part of this preliminary project concept presentation and it is considered that preparation of such a business plan is the next logical step to take.

The Business Plan will include details of the following matters:

• Running costs;

• Revenues;

• Growth;

• Management;

• Integration with other museums;

• Closer integration of Rail Works and the Museum;

• Accreditation;

• Management of the precinct;

• The need for accountability, which will be a paramount objective in the development of this plan; and

• Management of tours (Note that Appendix C contains indicative plans to illustrate the nature of such tours).

The development of the Business Plan requires considerable professional skill and resources, access to which are beyond the current reach of the Committee.

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7. Acknowledgements

The Committee wishes to acknowledge the invaluable assistance and encouragement of many people and organisations without which it would not have been possible to prepare this submission. The Committee especially thanks:

• Mr. Robin Cooper MLA, former Minister of Transport;

• Mr. Robert Maclellan, former Minister of Planning;

• Guidance and assistance from various Federal and State Members of Parliament;

• City of Hobsons Bay;

• Victorian Department of Infrastructure;

• Museum Victoria;

• ARHS Railway Museum;

• Scienceworks;

• All constituent parties involved with the development of this railway heritage concept;

• Those many volunteers who have achieved and developed railway presentation in Victoria to date;

• Management of Newport Workshops;

• Australian Railway Historical Society, Victorian Division Inc.;

• Rail Works;

• Steamrail Victoria Inc.;

• 707 Operations;

• Rail Motor Group; and

• Fire Services Restoration Group.

18 Illustrations • External and internal views • Centre layout • Site plan • Location plan Appendix A

Inspection of Buildings Appendix B

Project Plan – RHCV Establishment Appendix C

Proposed Tour Itineraries Desktop Dynamics 58 Moorabool St., Geelong 3220 Ph: (03) 5221 3382