Coorong District Council Offering A Piece Of Railway History
Rail enthusiasts, historians and collectors will have the chance to secure a piece of railway history as carriages located at Tailem Bend will soon be on offer by tender in the coming months.
Coorong District Council intends to dispose of six (6) railway carriages referred to as the Accident Train and consisting of a range of both flat open-sided and enclosed carriages. This offering will be a great opportunity for individuals, groups or organisations wishing to secure a piece of rail history for restoration or use as a static display.
Before the tender commences, Coorong District Council is inviting individuals to provide feedback on the proposal to dispose of the train carriages by tender.
Considered surplus to the Council’s requirements, a decision was made to dispose of the six (6) carriages located adjacent to the railway corridor and old Railway Station in Tailem Bend at the January 2023 Ordinary Council meeting, subject to feedback from the community.
“These carriages offer a connection to rail history, however they are surplus to Council’s needs and would require a significant investment towards restoration and suitable relocation,” says Coorong District Council’s Mayor Paul Simmons.
“Interested groups and individuals will now have the opportunity to own their own piece of rail history, and Council will retain one carriage which, subject to funding, will be earmarked for future restoration and use,” says Mayor Simmons.
Council will offer the six (6) carriages through an open tender process which will be established and advertised accordingly in the coming months.
Interested parties wishing to submit a tender will need to be aware of specific requirements – including obtaining approvals from rail authorities and having the technical and logistical capacity for safe removal and transportation of the carriages.
Feedback is welcomed on the intended disposal of these surplus assets and can be done so by:
- Completing an online feedback form at www.coorong.sa.gov.au/stay-informed/community-engagement
- Providing feedback in person at one of Council’s Customer Service Centres
- By email: council@coorong.sa.gov.au
- By post: PO Box 399, Tailem Bend, SA 5260
Following a period of consultation and subject to final decision by Council, it is anticipated the tender will be advertised in the later half of 2023.
Interested parties wishing to find out more can visit Coorong District Council’s website to view the condition assessment, or register their interest by contacting the Council on 1300 785 277 by emailing council@coorong.sa.gov.au.
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Contact:
Bridget Mather
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: bmather@coorong.sa.gov.au
