Members of Loco Shed Echuca, Brett Thomson, Callum Phillips, Dick Phillips, Shannon Johns, Chris Janson and Peter Mitchell.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
More than four decades after a group of passionate locals set out to save Echuca's historic locomotive shed from ruin, the project is closer than ever to becoming a major tourism and community asset.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
On June 10 a meeting and presentation was held by Loco Shed Echuca and chaired by its president, Dick Phillips.
Among the wide cross-section of community organisations, business groups and local Indigenous community members, was state Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh, and representatives from Campaspe Shire Council and Murray River Council.
The purpose was to discuss the ongoing restoration and development plan for the historic shed, an integral part of the region’s railway heritage, originally built in 1864.
The shed has seen significant deterioration over the years, and the objective is to preserve and transform it into a sustainable community asset, including a museum, café and function space.
Community, business and council members in attendance.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Mr Phillips began the presentation by looking back to 1984, when a group recognised the building’s historical value and sought to preserve it, aiming to convert the site into a tourism asset.
“There was a group of fairly smart-minded people back in 1984 who decided that the building had merit and was worth trying to preserve,” he said.
A conservation management plan was developed to address structural repairs necessary to make the building usable and halt further deterioration.
In 2000, the group received a grant of $400,000, which was used on repairing structural elements, replacing roofing slates, windows and doors according to original designs, and maintaining historical accuracy.
Mr Phillips spoke of community engagement in 2024, when the shed opened to the public for the first time in years.
“We thought we might have about 200 people. I think we had about 650,” Mr Phillips said.
“It was fantastic. It gave us a boost, knowing people were behind us and wanted things to happen.”
Loco Shed Echuca president Dick Phillips presenting.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The venture not only aims to conserve history, but to create a future brimming with opportunity.
Projects such as a state-of-the-art sound and light exhibition by Laser Vision are envisioned to captivate and educate visitors about the steam era’s profound impact on local industry and culture.
The intended outcome is a financially viable, community-owned museum, café and function space that will complement and add diversity to local attractions.
Plans are under way to ensure the project can operate independently and sustainably, with phased stages and ongoing efforts to secure and utilise grants.
Presentation of structural damage the shed had sustained.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“For 40 years, we’ve remained true to the vision and the purpose of the original committee, and we’re almost shovel-ready,” Mr Phillips said.
Discussion at the end of the presentation included inquiries about the building's current soundness, funding opportunities and the potential for staging the renovation.
