Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Hall

Cutter’S Licence Termination Threatens Historic Railway

The last of Gippsland’s railway sleeper cutters has provided his last railway sleeper, at the expense of historic icons such as the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, unless the State Government intervenes.

By Peter Hall - 9th June 2006 - Back to News

Gippsland MP Peter Hall has called on the State Government to restore a timber licence to Mr Ron Aucote of Bruthen, whose licence was terminated this week.

Mr Hall told State Parliament the Walhalla Goldfields Railway relies on Mr Aucote’s skills to provide sleepers and his inability to do so would impact adversely on the further development of the railway.

"The Walhalla Goldfields Railway is a re-creation of the historic railway line," he said. "It has been re-created to connect an area from the Thomson River, where there is a small station called Thomson station, into Walhalla.

"It has been an engineering feat to recreate the railway line, at great expense. Both the state and federal governments and the local community have put a lot of money into the recreation of that historical railway."

Mr Hall added there are plans to extend the railway line from Thomson station to Boola Road and eventually back to Erica.

"They require, to complete the historic railway, yellow stringy-bark for both timber construction and for sleepers.

"That is where Mr Aucote comes into it. He is 70 years of age, having left school when he was 13, and has been cutting sleepers in the Bruthen area for 56 years, being the last of the 240 registered sleeper cutters there once was in Bruthen."

Mr Hall said Mr Aucote had already supplied Walhalla Goldfields Railway with 3000 sleepers and also provided a lot of the timber for the Puffing Billy track. He also supplied 600 metres of railing for the mountain bike track for the Commonwealth Games facility.

Mr Hall pointed out that the sleeper cutter harvests stringy bark selectively and does not clearfell.

"But since VicForests took over the operation of commercial forestry in 2004 Mr Aucote has been on a limited tenure, and it appears that his licence to harvest any yellow stringy-bark in the forest of East Gippsland is now terminated, which would be at the expense of places like Walhalla Goldfields Railway."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Walhalla, Gippsland’s historic gold rush village, offers heritage sites, scenic walks, charming cafes, and unforgettable alpine experiences
  Walhalla, Gippsland’s historic gold rush village, enchants with heritage buildings, scenic walks, ghost tours, cherry blossoms, alpine charm, quirky cafes, the Goldfields Railway, Long Tunnel Mine, and nearby natural adventures.
• Baw Baw Shire Council returns 37 cultural artefacts to Lardil people in historic Mornington Island repatriation
  Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss led a historic journey to Mornington Island, repatriating 37 cultural artefacts to the Lardil People, marking a significant step toward reconciliation and cultural heritage restoration.
• Gippsland’s top picnic spots: Gardens, wineries, hot springs, and historic settings for relaxing outdoor feasts
  Discover Gippsland’s magical picnic spots: Broughton Hall gardens, Metung Hot Springs, The Gurdies Winery, and Old Gippstown - each offering stunning views, serene settings, and unique outdoor dining experiences.
• Martin Cameron blasts Labor over Tyers bridge blunder, says government failed truckies and ignored safety warnings
  Martin Cameron has criticised Labor after revelations the Tyers bridge weight limit remained at 30 tonnes months after upgrades, accusing the government of negligence and failing regional Victorians.
• Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care.
• Wellington Shire Council elects Cr Cindy Madeley as Mayor and Cr Liz Foat as Deputy Mayor marking up historic female leadership
  Cr Cindy Madeley and Cr Liz Foat were elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Wellington Shire, marking historic female leadership and a focus on community, innovation, inclusion, and strategic development.
• Darren Chester met Tom Harms in Canberra, praising his WorldSkills selection as testament to talent and community support
  Maffra apprentice Tom Harms will represent Australia in Electrical Installations at the 2026 WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, after excelling through national trials. Darren Chester praised his achievement as Gippsland talent showcased globally.
• South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland.
• Darren Chester secures $20,000 to preserve Tambo Valley trenches commemorating Victoria's WWII history
  Darren Chester secured $20,000 funding to preserve the historic Tambo Valley Trenches, enhancing access, safety, and interpretation, while honouring East Gippsland's wartime history and boosting cultural tourism along the Great Alpine Road.
• Celebrate South Gippsland Eat Drink Play Festival and other council updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns to Leongatha's Railway Precinct, celebrating local food, drink, and music with family fun, tastings, live entertainment, and community spirit. Tickets are selling fast - don't miss out!