- Queensland Rail has helped not-for-profit community group DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum (DownsSteam) build a new roof for their Restoration Shed, enhancing rail heritage operations.
- DownsSteam was the recipient of a $20,000 Queensland Rail 160th Heritage Community Grant, designed to help rail heritage organisations across the state.
- The grants ensure that Queensland's rich rail history will live on for many more generations.
Volunteers will be able to better preserve and protect rail history thanks to a community grant from Queensland Rail.
In late 2025, to celebrate 160 years of rail in Queensland, $160,000 dollars in community grants was awarded to support not-for-profit rail heritage organisations.
DownsSteam was one of eight successful recipients of a grant, receiving funding for a new roof on their Restoration Shed at the Drayton Railway Precinct in Toowoomba.
The Restoration Shed is the operational heart of DownsSteam's activities, serving as the central workshop for the maintenance, repair, and restoration of heritage rail carriages, locomotives, and equipment.
DownsSteam President Ros Scotney OAM said the previous roof had deteriorated significantly due to age and ongoing exposure to harsh environmental conditions, leading to water ingress, structural concerns, and increasing maintenance demands.
"The completion of this project has transformed our ability to restore and preserve Queensland's rail heritage," the President said.
"Volunteers now have a safe, dry and secure environment to carry out their work, and our valuable heritage assets are far better protected."
Queensland Rail's Nev Conway said it was rewarding to see the grant funding translate into tangible outcomes for the community and volunteers.
"This grants program is a great way to give back to the heritage organisations that work tirelessly to keep Queensland's rail legacy alive," Mr Conway said.
"Seeing this project completed at the Drayton Railway Precinct highlights the importance of investing in the infrastructure that supports our rail history and the dedicated volunteers who care for it.
"It is more than a new roof, it helps to ensure Queensland's rail heritage remains protected and accessible for generations to come."
Eight heritage organisations received $20,000 each, totalling $160,000 in grants. These are:
- DownsSteam Toowoomba: Installation of a new roof in their restoration shed.
- Australian Railway Historical Society Queensland: Funding for a heritage-themed food truck at historic Grandchester station.
- Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway: Support for important track repairs and community partnerships.
- Whistle Stop in Maryborough: Overhaul of the famous Mary Ann steam locomotive.
- Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway: Restoration of a Queensland Rail heritage carriage built in 1913.
- Southern Downs Steam Railway in Warwick: Overhaul of a heritage diesel hydraulic locomotive.
- The Australian Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in Woodford: Restoration of a former Queensland Rail railmotor carriage.
- The Mary Valley Rattler: Essential upgrades to a track machine for improved safe operations.
