Emerald Tourist Railway Board

Full description

The Emerald Tourist Railway Act 1977 (No 9020) established the Emerald Tourist Railway Board with responsibility for the preservation, development, promotion and maintenance of the narrow gauge steam railway (known as Puffing Billy) and for the operation management and control of the service for public recreational purposes. This enabled the Board to take over infrastructure previously owned by the Victorian Railways.

The Board works in conjunction with the Puffing Billy Preservation Society, whose members provide financial support and substantial staffing/volunteer resources.  In accordance with the Act the Emerald Tourist Railway Board should consist of 5 to 10 members appointed by the Governor in Council. The membership should consist of:

- Four members should be nominated by the Puffing Billy Preservation Society,
- one nominated by the Minister administering the Transport Integration Act 2010,
- one experienced in the promotion and management of tourism,
- one experienced in banking or finance,
- two persons the Governor in Council thinks specially qualified to achieve the aims of the Board.