Walhalla Goldfields Railway Flood Damage Disaster Appeal - June 2021

In 2015, the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway and Walhalla Goldfields Railway (WGR) in Victoria, Australia entered into a twinning agreement. Last week on the 10th June, WGR suffered considerable damage by a severe rain storm and high winds.

Damage has greatly impacted their track, bridges and building infrastructure. There is significant flood borne debris and floating tree logs wedged against several bridges, with some undermining. Due to a heavy flow from a spring high on the cliff above the sheds at Walhalla station, water poured into the workshops below leaving them flooded and full of mud. Water from the same source also caused earth slippage down the embankment and into the river. Along the line, fallen trees obstruct the railway and there is possibly other damage to the infrastructure and assets.

The railway will require a comprehensive assessment prior to clean up works, which is now underway. Although water levels have subsided, getting safe access to each of the bridges is a real challenge, especially with debris around. Much of the works will require heavy equipment, materials and other items, and hence importantly major funding to undertake the necessary repairs.

The latest up-to-date information can be found by viewing.......

Walhalla Goldfields Railway website HERE.

Walhalla Goldfields Railway facebook page HERE.

The Walhalla Goldfields Railway, our twin in Australia, has been hit hard by this natural occurrence and desperately needs assistance to regain their ability to operate train services.

If you wish to assist them, the direct link to the WGR donations page is HERE.

Payments can be made by Card or Paypal and your donations will be gratefully received.

Note:  As of 15th June 2021, the exchange rate is GBP £1 = 1.83 Australian Dollars.

Words by Chris Dadson. Photographs from the Walhalla Goldfields Railway.