The long talked about extension of the Walhalla Goldfields Railway line has taken a big step forward with a major donation from a kindred volunteer tourist operator in Victoria.
The Bellarine Railway has donated enough line - some 19,540 linear metres - that is surplus to its requirements to extend the Walhalla gold fields track 10 kilometres from Thomson station to Erica.
Secretary of WGR Graeme Skinner said it would have cost millions of dollars to buy new track but the organisation still faced a substantial financial outlay to bring its plans to fruit.
It will cost about $80,000 to transport the 75 tonnes of steel from the Bellarine Peninsula to a local storage site that will need secure fencing constructed.
Mr Skinner said it would be a huge cost to WGR which it aimed to substantially cover through an online fundraiser.
He said there had been some very generous response and urged others interested in heritage trains and tourist railways to lend their support.
Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible and can be made by logging onto https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/wgrrailforerica