REPAIRS to the bushfire-ravaged tourist rail line between Musk and Bullarto will go ahead following the approval of a federal government grant of $128,545.
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Member for Ballarat Catherine King announced the funding.
Ms King said she was delighted it had been approved as she knew how eager the operators of the Central Highlands Tourist Railway were to restore the track.
"This damaged track is one of the legacies of the horrific bushfires around Black Saturday," she said.
"The damage was a major setback to the tourist railway and the region.
"This track is not only an important tourism and economic benefit to the region, but it is a part of the district's heritage.
"This was recognised by the government and that is why it has been able to secure this important funding under the Your Community Heritage program."
Ms King said the Your Community Heritage program was a new approach to supporting and protecting Australia's heritage.
She said the program would help communities around Australia celebrate their heritage.
"The program recognises that our heritage is not just about 'big' heritage such as places on the world and national lists," Ms King said.
"It is about communities being supported to tell local stories, protect historic places, celebrate heritage, commemorate eminent Australians and restore heritage places damaged by major natural disasters, such as Black Saturday.
"The Your Community Heritage program is helping individual communities identify the stories and places that they want to protect for future generations to enjoy.
"That has certainly been achieved in the funding for this important rail restoration project."
Further information about the program is available online at environment.gov.au.
