The state government will provide $8.9 million for much needed remediation works to South Australia’s SteamRanger heritage railway.

The State Heritage listed tourism attraction provides 70,000 passenger journeys each year, running from Mount Barker to Victor Harbor, and includes the popular Cockle Train.

Recent engineering reports on the nine SteamRanger bridges recommended works to the Currency Creek, Watson Gap and Hindmarsh River bridges, as well as the Tookayerta Creek and Finniss River bridges.

The $8.45 million for additional repairs to the five bridges was approved as part of the state government’s 2022-23 Mid-Year Budget Review.

The works will be completed over the next two years and will be managed by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.

The Department for Environment and Water have also provided $450,000 for urgent short-term remediation works on the Currency Creek and Watson Gap bridges, which is due to be completed by June.

Peter Charlson, President of the Australian Railway Historical Society, says SteamRanger is operated by a majority volunteer workforce.

“All revenue from our services going directly into the maintenance of our rolling stock and track. 

“The aging bridge infrastructure on our track, with some dating back to the late 19th century has become a major challenge for us, and we are glad and very grateful to receive this support from the government.

“Our mission is to preserve the history of railways in South Australia and deliver an exciting experience to our passengers as they traverse the amazing countryside of our track, from the southern tip of the Mount Lofty Ranges, to the beautiful coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula.”

The railway sits on Crown land and is operated under licence by The Australian Railway Historical Society South Australia Incorporated, trading as SteamRanger.

It has contributed $18.5 million of economic activity to the regional economy over a five year period.