A rail tour company that takes tourists back in time and on scenic trips around the state is on track to expand the service, thanks to the NSW Government's Regional Job Creation Fund (RJCF).
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said a $100,000 grant from the RJCF would allow Vintage Rail Journeys to restore and reactivate a 1960's Aurora Australis, 20-person sleeper carriage that was last used in 1994.
Mrs Tuckerman said the funding would allow the company to undertake major engineering and restorative works on the carriage, which will be the 16th of the fleet and increase guest capacity from 136 to 156 people.
"Vintage Rail Journeys takes tourists and train enthusiast back in time and an additional carriage restored in Goulburn will create five jobs, alongside a greater capacity for their customers to spend more time and money in regional NSW," Mrs Tuckerman said.
Directors of Vintage Rail Journeys, Simon Mitchell and Danielle Smith, welcomed the funding.
"We have worked really hard over the past couple of years to get nine carriages restored using our own funds" Mr Mitchell said.
"This grant will allow us to hire local staff and use local companies, keeping the money in the Goulburn region," Ms Smith said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $130 million Regional Job Creation Fund aimed to create 6,500 new direct jobs in regional NSW by providing incentives to expand operations in regional areas.
"Regional NSW is the engine room for the state and helping companies expand operations will not only stimulate local and regional economies but will also increase local employment in tourism for the many towns visited along the tracks," he said.
"Setting businesses up for success helps the local community grown and new jobs mean more people earning and spending in local stores, cafes and services.
The Regional Job Creation Fund supports eligible businesses with grants to purchase new equipment, expand facilities, acquire technology, create new production lines or establish businesses in Regional NSW.
Round one has now closed and a second round will open in early 2022 for more information go to www.investregionalnsw.com/RCJfund.
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