A motion to request prison inmates assist in repairing the Zig Zag Railway will come before council at the meeting on Monday, June 25.
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Councillor Maree Statham who has submitted the motion said the idea came about “a couple of months ago” in discussion with committee members of the railway.
“They need people on the ground to clear the debris from the aftermath of the fire. It’s physically impossible for the committee itself just to do that,” she said.
“They [correctional centres] may be in a position to help, we just have to approach them.”
Railway chairman Lee Wiggins said he welcomed the council item.
“Should this present an opportunity for the Railway we will undertake the necessary detailed conversations required to assess the suitability of the workers for the tasks required at the Railway.”
He said the railway sees about 24 volunteers on site each day of the weekend.
“We also have many members volunteering throughout the week offsite.
“In the meantime we welcome any member of the public, particularly with skills suited to the Railway who are keen to volunteer to get in touch.”
Mr Wiggins said investigation into the damage on the railway earlier in the year was ongoing and asked anyone with information to call crimestoppers.
“Our volunteers are currently working on other projects that are key to restoring the railway to operation. Once these projects are complete we will assess what damaged rolling stock may be able to be repaired.”
He said the section of track that has been removed to reshape an eroded embankment near Clarence Tunnel was the only major section of track that needed to be re-laid.
“There are no other large areas of track to be repaired,” he said.
The reshaping is being performed by contractors paid by insurance.
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