Community & Business
28 November, 2025
Southern Downs Steam Railway on track for major improvements
The State Government has awarded eight Queensland rail heritage organisations a share of $160,000 in community grants for refurbishing heritage trains, carriages, tracks and other initiatives.
The Southern Downs Steam Railway will receive a funding of $20,000 to go towards overhauling a heritage diesel hydraulic locomotive. refurbishing heritage trains, carriages, tracks and other initiatives.
The heritage grants program is part of Queensland Rail’s 160th birthday celebrations to boost heritage rail operations and ensure Queensland’s rich rail history lives on for generations.
Member for Southern Downs James Lister said the Southern Downs Steam Railway was a treasured part of the region’s history.
“This funding will help ensure this important part of our community can continue operating, attracting visitors, and sharing the rich stories of our rail past.”
“Preserving our rail heritage is about more than just locomotives – it’s about the hard work and dedication of SDSR’s volunteers who will use these funds to keep our much beloved train history on the rails.”
Southern Downs Steam Railway Chairman Kelvin Hutchinson said the grant will help improve the operator’s tourism offerings.
“We’re grateful for the support, which will go towards reconditioning works on our heritage locomotive,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“We’re committed to keeping heritage rail and tourism flourishing in the Southern Downs region and look forward to welcoming more and more tourists aboard our iconic heritage services.”
The heritage grants program is part of Queensland Rail’s 160th birthday celebrations to boost heritage rail operations and ensure Queensland’s rich rail history lives on for generations.
