IT'S not every day that a Transport for NSW executive pays a visit to your village - and to see a signal box, no less.
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That was the occasion on Tuesday at Tarana, when Transport for NSW chief operating officer Howard Collins was in town.
He was there to have a look at Tarana Station, where a restoration project is almost complete, but he also spoke to members of the Tarana Valley Community Group (TVCG), who have been advocating for more wide ranging work on the station precinct.
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Mr Collins, who is a former boss of the London Underground, said the restoration project at Tarana was part of a $350,000 investment from the NSW Government through the Sydney Trains Residual Assets Program.
"This project not only helps preserve the railway's history for future generations, but also improves amenity for customers who use our services at Tarana," he said.
"The signal box has been restored and essential repairs have been undertaken to the neighbouring station building's chimneys, roof and drainage."
Member for Bathurst and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the building was in desperate need of repair.
"It is wonderful to see the signal box looking just like it did when it opened in 1916," he said.
"The heritage-listed Tarana Station signal box played a crucial role in the safe operating of trains moving between the Main Western Line and the now-closed railway to Oberon.
"It is important that we celebrate the history of the railway, which continues to play a valuable role in communities across the Central West, whether it be taking customers where they need to go, or moving vast amounts of freight around our state."
Tarana and Rydal stops were added to the timetable for the first Bathurst Bullet return daily service to Sydney last year.
They are also on the timetable for the second Bathurst Bullet service, which launched last year.
Mr Collins was also in the region last winter to see the progress on the Bathurst Rail Museum, which has a model railway depicting the Great Western Line between Tarana and Bathurst, complete with working locomotives.
