In a heart-warming display of community spirit, Arc Infrastructure Structures Inspector, Philip McConaghy, volunteered his time and professional expertise earlier this year to help maintain an important piece of Western Australia’s cultural heritage, the Pemberton Tramway. This remarkable effort has allowed the tram to access the station platform to pick up passengers for the first time in 38 years.
Phil, who has been at Arc for 10 years, assisted with the relocation of a set of points and points lever, allowing the tram to switch tracks and side up to the Pemberton Station platform. Thanks to Phil’s expertise on the project, passengers can now onboard at the historic platform, instead of a small siding which had been used previously, which significantly improves the experience for the many tourists who visit each year.
The Pemberton Tramway Company takes passengers along a picturesque 10 km section of the non-operational rail line south of Manjimup in the Southwest region, which was converted to light rail following its closure in 1986. The section boasts a number of spectacular timber bridges, showcasing the engineering of the early twentieth century, as well as the heritage listed station, built in 1926. It is an accredited light rail line, operating diesel hydraulic trams and must comply with relevant Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) standards, which Phil and previous Arc employee Trevor Freeth, have assisted the Pemberton Tramway Company with meeting.
“I am proud to have been involved in such a worthwhile project, and that my advice and expertise in rail has helped to preserve this iconic piece of history”, Phil said.
“Knowing that the passenger experience has been greatly improved by this addition is a feat myself and my friends involved with the Pemberton Tramway Company are really happy to see finished.”
This achievement has been celebrated by the Pemberton Tramway Company and the wider community of Pemberton, who can now continue to enjoy this cherished piece of local history for decades to come.
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