The Derwent Valley Railway (DVR) has won a lease over 3.1 kilometres of track between New Norfolk and Boyer, opening up a stretch of corridor it has not been able to use for more than 20 years.
The group said the deal would allow it to formally access and manage the line, carry out essential maintenance and start preparing for future train services.
It is the first time in two decades that the organisation has held a lease over this section of the line.
Chairman Matthew Davey said the agreement was a turning point for the railway.
“Securing the lease for this section of the Boyer line is a major achievement for the Derwent Valley Railway,” Davey said.
“It provides us with the certainty needed to move forward with planning, maintenance and future rail operations.”
The DVR said it had not stepped back from its bigger ambitions for the corridor.
Secretary Maurice Hays said the long-term goal remained running heritage trains through to Westerway and Mount Field National Park.
“We have not given up on our plans to run services through to Westerway and Mount Field National Park,” Hays said.
“These remain key long-term objectives for the organisation.”
Hays said the group would keep working with TasRail on ways to expand services further along the line.
“We are continuing to work collaboratively with TasRail to explore pathways that will support future expansion of rail services along the corridor,” he said.
According to the group, the lease is a foundational step that will strengthen the organisation’s position to gradually extend operations as infrastructure, access and partnerships allow.
The group also thanked the partners, government bodies and community members involved in finalising the agreement.
