Ms Cleeland sought action to ensure support to establish heritage rail tourism throughout the north-east rail when she spoke in Parliament last week.
“Rail tourism is an important industry in my region, but it is sadly regularly overlooked for much-needed funding from this government,” she said.
“We have established accommodation and towns anticipating a tourism boom — this could be the platform that does that.”
With the region boasting a proud rail history thanks to the north-east train line, classic locomotives and historic train stations, funding for more tours on vintage trains would open more opportunities for local towns.
Seymour was the home depot for four locomotives in 1937 called the Spirit of Progress, the first all-steel air-conditioned trains in the Southern Hemisphere.
The railway celebrated its 150th anniversary on Saturday, October 14.
“I have been lucky enough to attend events right across the Euroa electorate and see first hand what benefits a properly funded rail tourism industry could provide,” Ms Cleeland said.
“From events at Violet Town’s Southern Aurora Memorial to the 150th anniversary of the north-east train line, I have met some incredible people doing an amazing job preserving an important part of our local history.
“On top of that, charters and tourism trips upon vintage trains continue to draw amazing crowds of eager train enthusiasts.”
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