THE trouble plagued Zig Zag Railway was the biggest single loser in the October Lithgow bushfire but now supporters are wondering just how much compensation will be paid by the Defence Department.
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The department has admitted liability for the fire and this was borne out in the findings of a commission of inquiry released last week.
The Zig Zag was planning its timetable to return as the district’s best known heritage tourist attraction after overcoming the impacts of government regulator requirements, floods, landslips, thieves and vandals when the devastating fire struck.
Irreplaceable vintage rolling stock was destroyed with the damage calculated in millions of dollars.
The Zig Zag enthusiasts could have been forgiven for giving up after a litany of setbacks but expressed determination to literally rise from the ashes.
In the wake of the fire the RAAF provided a helping hand in the clean up.
Then subsequently Defence advised Lithgow Council it would be accepting liability and would be paying compensation for the property damage incurred in the local government area.
But just how much compensation will Zig Zag receive and how much will be covered by insurance?
There is suspicion in some quarters that the value of the previous ‘volunteer’ clean up work will be calculated as part of the compensation.
Zig Zag spokesman Michael Forbes said yesterday that discussions were ongoing but so far Defence has offered to pay only the costs of clearing the fire debris and to reimburse for the cost of two previously completed projects — restoration of a luffing crane and on-site electrical work.