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Funding Support For The Bellarine Railway Sponsors
The Bellarine Railway proudly acknowledges the generous support provided by the following sponsors:
OZeLearn are proud to sponsor the Hosting, and Delivery of this website on behalf of The Bellarine Railway.
FUNDING
Borough of Queenscliff
City of Greater Geelong
State Government
Federal Government
Members Donations
Make a Donation
The progress that is being made in so many areas of The Bellarine Railway is astonishing and is a great testimony to all the hard working volunteers who continually give up their time, and who are rapidly transforming our railway.
Transforming it into what you may ask? A first class nationally recognised heritage tourism attraction is what! Standing on the platforms at Drysdale or Queenscliff tells the story of an organisation very much on the up and up and importantly under control. The railway is currently a picture — freshly painted rolling stock, clean engines, tidy stations and no junk. There's still a long way to go, and we are Right on Track with our Business Plan and some dramatic changes will progressively take place over the next 12 to 24 months. Progress August - Preparation work has begun on the former Hobart round house turn table located at Drysdale Station. Work that has been completed so far includes needle gunning, treating and painting of the frame, removal and manufacture of corroded frame members and braces. There has also been preparatory work undertaken on the track bed with removal of some material to achieve the correct level.
 July - The platform at the DPI Marine Discovery Center has been constructed and is nearing completion with work on the fences and spreading of gravel the only things the left to do.
June - As part of the State Government Funding program, Drysdale Platform has been sealed with bitumen. The transformation that this work has made to the appearance of the Drysdale station is astonishing. A major benefit is that less dirt is being walked through the carriage and station buildings. Work has commenced with preparation work at Suma Park platform to enable it to be sealed with bitumen very shortly.
Borough of Queenscliff
Recognition of our achievements and progress has come from many sectors. Firstly we are exceptionally proud of the recognition and financial support committed to The Bellarine Railway by both of our local councils. The Borough of Queenscliff has granted $20000 to us for the current Financial Year and agreed in principal to continue this funding for a total of three years. This is a fantastic outcome, especially when one remembers that The Borough is the smallest local council in Victoria. Our thanks are expressed to the Mayor of Queenscliff, Cr. Chris Player, the Councillors and the Chief Executive, Gary Price. As an organisation we are excited with the prospect of working with Council and other agencies such as DSE in redefining the presence of the railway in Queenscliff and ensuring that our vista and activities are totally in focus and harmony with council and the community’s long term strategic tourism plans. Borough funding will be used to construct a platform at the Marine Discovery Centre, improve the lighting on Queenscliff platform and put some sleepers in the track.
City of Greater Geelong 
The City of Greater Geelong has also recognised the contribution that The Bellarine Railway makes to regional tourism and has made a cash contribution of $40000 per annum for the next 3 years totalling $120,000. What a fabulous recognition of the significance of our railway, and the efforts of the volunteers this is! We are indebted to the efforts of Drysdale Councillor Tom O’Connor and the support of the Mayor and other Councillors. COGG funds will be used to seal the platforms at Lakers, Suma Park and Drysdale and upgrade platform lighting at these three stations.
It is significant to note that these local government grants are the first ever received by The Bellarine Railway!
But wait, there's more!
The provision of local government financial support has provided the catalyst for The Bellarine Railway to make two other funding applications.
State Government.
With the fabulous support of Lisa Neville MP for Bellarine, and in conjunction with the Borough via Regional Development Victoria (Small Towns Fund) we have successfully been granted a Victorian State Government funding grant for $250,000. Read Press Release. We acknowledge with grateful thanks the fabulous support of Lisa Neville MP for Bellarine, the Mayor of Queenscliff Cr. Chris Player and fellow Councillors. This grant will contribute immensely toward sthe cost of constructing a large Rolling Stock Storage Shed at Lakers Siding; construction of a new station at the Queenscliff Marine Discovery Centre and other station works including the Drysdale turntable, station platform sealing and safety lighting. Read all about the project. ***See pics of the recent Grant Ceremony.*** Federal Government
A funding application has been lodged with DOTARS in Canberra under the Regional Partnerships Program to assist with the construction of the rolling stock storage facility at Lakers Siding. This application has received tremendous support from local community groups and we would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of Stewart McArthur MP for Corangamite, and John Hanson from the Geelong Area Consultative Committee.
Members Donations
Many of our members donate both their time and money to assist with the growth and development of The Bellarine Railway. PURCHASE OF EX QUEENSLAND ‘EVANS’ CARRIAGE BU 1141 We have recently purchased this carriage. It is with pleasure that we acknowledge the generous donation of The Everett Family who have contributed $5000 to this project, and Grant Willis who donated $200. The Board expresses its thanks to these people. LOCOMOTIVE T251 - Recently member Peter Gwozdeski and his Family donated $6500 for the materials to rebuild the tender tank on locomotive T251. Read more... Donations
If you would like to make a donation and support The Bellarine Railway, click here for more details.
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Funding & Sponsorship 
