Government funding to study the feasibility of extending the Walhalla Goldfields Tourist Railway has been urged by Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath.
Speaking in parliament last week Ms Bath said the study would open the way to realising the volunteer committee of management's long held dream to extend the railway to Erica.
She said the railway had been gifted 10 kilometres of track that would be sufficient to do the extension.
"The study would provide direction for the way forward to complete the final stage of the railway.
"The Committee is eager to instigate a facility study to bring the project to life and enhance the visitor experience.
"The dedicated Walhalla Goldfields Railway volunteers have the will; they require assistance with the way," she said.
Describing the Walhalla railway as a jewel in Gippsland's crown and the most successful successful tourist railway in Victoria after Puffing Billy, Ms Bath called on the Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events to provide funding for the study given the economic benefit of the project to tourism.
She said the extension of the track to Erica would boost Gippsland's economy after decisions to fast track closures of the timber and coal industries, cancellation of the Commonwealth Games and COVID lockdowns.