The resolution was introduced by Assembly Member Mick Gentleman who recently travelled on one of the Society's heritage trains running from Canberra to Bungendore and return.

He made a number of points about the Society's activities and their value to the Canberra community, including:

• although Canberra Railway Museum is lesser known than Canberra's 'national institutions', it provided an important glimpse into the history of railways in Australia and one which was greatly valued by its visitors;
   
• in its 40-year existence, the Society had acquired or had under its care more than 100 items of rolling stock including the historically-important steam locomotive 1210 which hauled the first train into Canberra;
   
• the Society operates heavily-patronised heritage trains locally as well as long-distance trains using more modern sitting, sleeping and dining cars;
   
• it is essentially a volunteer organisation, providing these and other services for the benefit of both the Canberra community and visitors.

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The Assembly debate heard that two major land-use studies are currently underway which would provide the ACT Government with options for the future of the area. One plan covers the East Basin area generally, while the other is looking specifically at the future of rail facilities in Canberra.

One early suggestion from the latter is for construction of a new passenger station and which would incorporate sufficient development to also cater for Society activities.

ARHS (ACT) has been making representations to both these studies in the hope there can be a resolution which will allow our operations to continue either at Kingston or at another appropriate site.

In the meantime, the ACT Government is proposing to offer a 10-year lease on the existing land, although this could be terminated early should the land be required for other purposes.

Clearly, the Society has a lot at stake in the outcomes of these discussions - a new facility equivalent to the existing site would require an investment running into many millions of dollars. And that assumes that suitable land could be made available.

Infrastructure such as tracks, maintenance sheds, carriage sheds, museum building and office would need to be provided.

Importantly, representatives of all political parties who make up the Assembly all spoke during the debate, and ultimately the above motion was carried unanimously.

Speakers included the ACT Chief Minister, John Stanhope, who both acknowledged the work and achievements of the Society, and said the Government would consider levels of support the Society would require, if it had to move from the present site.

In addition to Mr Stanhope and Mr Gentleman (ALP), Richard Mulcahy (Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Arts and Heritage) and Dr Deb Foskey (Greens) praised the Society's activities.

For more information about the Legislative Assembly debate, see page 62 of the Hansard report at www.hansard.act.gov.au/hansard/2007/pdfs/P071114.pdf.