Council accepts station idea in principle

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 7, Issue 346, 31 July 1990, Page 5

Council accepts station idea in principle

The Ruapehu District Council is to ask the Ohakune Railway Preservation Group for details of their plans for the Ohakune Railway Station before making a decision on whether to accept the station from Railwavs.

The council will also seek a building inspector's report on the future costs of maintenance of the building, details of who will be carrying out the work and of what fundraising means they will use. Railways have offered the building to the council, but the council has decided it cannot accept it unless the corn-

munity is prepared to upgrade and maintain it because the council dces not have the money to spend on it. Railways want the council to take over the building because the council "is here to stay." A combined submission from the preservation group and the Ruapehu South Business

Association was received by the council which stated that Ruapehu College pupils and parents would initially clean up the yards and station area then progressively restore the station to its original condition; then place suitable tenants in the building with some of the revenue used to pay a caretaker; and reopen the waiting room and public toilets. Long term they plan to "enhance the historic nature of the Ohakune Junction by recreating the Waimarino of

yesteryear with the reconstruction of Railway and Milling displays."; set up a train display; and develop guided railway tours. The group has asked that the land be not rateable; that the station and yard be clearly defined as

not required by Railways; they want two Railway Row houses for the caretaker and museum; that Railways help with materials; that the council assist with roading and plant and machinery. The group also asks

that checks be carried out to see if the land is subject to dispute under the Waitangi Tribunal. Councillors by and large accepted the proposal in principle but accepted Cr Doug Bennetts motion to ask for more details.

Cr Bennett said he was not trying to stop the scheme but that the council needed to be sure of the groups commitment. He said after the initial enthusiasm the council could be le'ft to look after the property.