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IT is still the question that is on everyone’s lips. When will the Zig Zag Railway be up and running again? It has been a long and rocky road for Lithgow’s most recognisable tourist icon, however the good news is that things are now heading in the right direction. The executive members have identified two major issues which have hampered attempts to get the passenger service re-accredited. As reported in the Lithgow Mercury in January 2015, the beleaguered tourist icon has faced countless trials and tribulations since operations were disrupted for regulatory upgrades in June 2012. The closure was meant to be maintained until compliance issues identified by the Independent Transport Safety Regulator (ITSR) were addressed however fires and floods in the interim have meant massive setbacks for the privately owned company. The Zig Zag Railway, although a tourist railway, is still subject to the same rail safety law as any other passenger service, albeit on a different scope due to operational differences etc. While the railway does meet the terms of its licence in many ways there are areas of non-compliance meaning they are still unable to carry passengers. They are however able to run works trains. This has meant a huge review and subsequent overhaul of policies and procedures, and implementation and in some cases creation of a certain level of standards as far as safety systems are concerned. Significant work has been done by a sub-committee to identify non-conformances with the Rail Safety Act and to complete risk assessment work. With new procedures in place, a renewed focus on regulation and compliance and a complete overhaul of safety culture, great progress has been made in this area of re-accreditation which is a strong step forward for the railway. The second major issue to obstruct the railway was the destruction of and damage to infrastructure done by a bushfire in 2013, and the subsequent claim for compensation. More than 1200 damaged railway sleepers, charred signalling equipment, burnt carriages and workspaces; the damage was severe. Floods also hampered efforts to restore order. The aftermath of the fire also posed some slightly unforeseen challenges, for example assessing the value of rolling stock destroyed by fire which included a 100-year-old carriage. There is good news however, with damage assessment and estimation of repair costs completed. The claim, along with fire related evidence, has been finalised with the railway’s legal representatives and is being reviewed by senior counsel before submission to the relevant government authorities. One of the more disappointing issues that has also plagued the railway is theft. Railway sleepers are one of the most common targets, with several reports having been made to police regarding the theft of various items. Railway representatives are asking the public to remain vigilant to the movement of these kind of items in the local area and to report anything that they believe is suspicious. What has been invaluable to the work being done at the Zig Zag Railway, however, has been the community support aimed towards getting things back on track. You can get involved ALTHOUGH the process is far from over, knowing the community is behind them has been a great morale boost for those working on getting the Zig Zag back up and running. The willingness and enthusiasm has been a high point in an at times frustrating journey. They encourage anyone with experience in the regulation process to contact them via the group’s Facebook page. Those wishing to volunteer are also encouraged to send the group a private message to assess whether there is an appropriate job for their skill set. Zig Zag Railway representatives are hopeful that as progress gains momentum, even more opportunities will open up for volunteers across a wider range of activities. They received a boost in April 2015 when members of the Bathurst Historic Car Club (BHCC) restored a TMC 6 Tampa rail service motor used by maintenance staff for upkeep on the line. In bad condition when taken on by the BHCC, the vehicle was transported to Bathurst to be worked on and then returned to the Zig Zag Railway in tip top working order. It was a great example of skilled volunteers helping the railway progress by lending their time and expertise. Monetary donations are also welcome from those who wish to assist in that way. Income for the railway is virtually nonexistent without passenger services and restoration and preservation projects can accrue serious costs. For anyone interested in making a donation to help the railway, direct donations at can be made via www.zigzagrailway.com.au or by making contact via the Facebook page. The page is also the best way to stay up-todate with Zig Zag Railway news and developments.

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