Dear
The Premier has asked that I respond to your letter to him.
Thank you for raising your concerns regarding the 3801 and the Large Erecting
Shed at South Eveleigh. I apologise for the
delay in responding.
In respect of the locomotive itself, on 4 August the Deputy
Premier, Minister for Transport, the Hon John Watkins announced a $20 million
plan over five years to increase protection of the State’s rich rail heritage
that sets a new standard for industrial conservation in NSW.
The plan will be delivered by a new Office of Rail Heritage
that will oversee the conservation and display of rail heritage assets and
ensure that groups of volunteers are recognised, valued and supported.
The first $500,000 will be spent to overhaul the 3801
locomotive at the Hunter Valley Training Company at Maitland. The Government
will provide this funding to keep the 3801 locomotive in first-class operating
condition so that it can continue to provide a steam experience for the people
of NSW.
In addition, a panel of independent experts has also been
formed to determine how the 3801 should be best managed in future. I am advised
that both 3801 Pty Ltd and the Rail
Transport Museum
at Thirlmere have been urged to work with the panel in securing a collaborative
approach to the future operation of the 3801 locomotive.
As you may be aware, 3801 Pty Ltd occupies part of the Large
Erecting Shed at South Eveleigh under a
licence agreement with StateRail. I am advised that these premises require
urgent repairs, and that to complete these repairs 3801 Limited will need to
vacate the site. No timeframe has yet been set for this, but ultimate ownership
of the premises will eventually be transferred to the Redfern-Waterloo
Authority (RWA).
I note that you have raised concerns about the preservation
of buildings of heritage significance within the Redfern railway precinct. Let
me assure you that, since its inception, the RWA have been assiduous in
protecting heritage buildings. In fact, there are currently 12 buildings listed
on the heritage Schedule contained in the Redfern Waterloo State Policy, see
attached schedule. This involves the preservation of some 6.7 hectares of
buildings.
This represents an unprecedented preservation of railway
heritage, even on a world scale.
I trust this information is of assistance.
Yours sincerely
Frank Sartor MP
Heritage items
within the Redfern Railway Precinct (categorised in the Heritage Schedule)
Building or Structure Area
(ha)
Locomotive Workshop – ATP 2.65
New Locomotive Workshop – ATP 0.36
Works Managers Office – ATP 0.18
Chief
Mechanical Engineers
Building – Nth Eveleigh 0.08
Large Erecting Shed – South Eveleigh 0.54
Blacksmiths Workshops – Nth Eveleigh 0.23
Scientific Services
Building – Nth Eveleigh 0.046
Portion of Fan of Tracks – Nth Eveleigh 0.2
Telecommunications Equipment Centre – Nth Eveleigh 0.03
Paint Shop – Nth Eveleigh 0.6
Carriage Workshop- Nth Eveleigh 1.7
Redfern Railway Station Ticket and Booking Office 0.08
SUB
TOTAL 6.70