Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway –

Plans for a Tourist Railway


At a meeting on Monday night the Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway association was formed. Office bearers elected were: Shane Moorhead (President), Bill Muldoon (Vice President), Rick Fletcher (Secretary), Marjorie Webb (Treasurer) with Margaret Conners, Matt McMahon, Arthur Robinson and Ray McMahon also serving on the steering committee

The meeting viewed a presentation on the history and current state of the railway which was opened in 1923 with the last service operating in September 1979. This scenic line has one of the steepest gradients in NSW. The line has never been closed with services listed as being “suspended” from 1979. Members have inspected the line which has proved to be in much better condition than expected.

The association expects to incorporate in the near future and to hold a public meeting to encourage community involvement in restoring the line as an operating heritage railway. Operating objectives include ensuring the retention of the existing rail infrastructure between Tarana and the terminus at Oberon. The association will operate in consultation and co-operation with the local Councils, local landholders and the broader Oberon / Tarana community. Progressive reconstruction of the line will be in stages commencing with light traffic such as section cars. It is not expected that initial activities will involve the acquisition and restoration of rolling stock and locomotives as other heritage groups have indicated a willingness to assist in operating restored trains on the line.

The association also intends to explore current government moves to reduce road freight and congestion which may see the possibility of commercial operation of the line in the future.

Membership fees have been set at a modest level to encourage wide community support and are just $10 for the household. Membership will keep you in touch with proposals and planned activities and will pledge your support of an operating Heritage Railway. Interested persons should contact Rick Fletcher on 02 - 6336 1787.