Maintenance has gone off the rails

The group is urging the state government to provide a maintenance record and commit to consistent investment in the site’s upkeep.

“Mooroopna has an opportunity to boost our local economy and support our small businesses,” steering group chairperson Rowan Farren said.

“The train station is the first impression many tourists have of our town, and right now, it’s not a good one. If we don’t maintain it, it risks becoming run down and forgotten.”

The group has raised these issues multiple times, including concerns about the growing prevalence of graffiti, overhanging tree limbs and a lack of cleanliness at the site.

Community members often step in to clean the area themselves due to what they describe as slow or inadequate responses from authorities.

“Six tree limbs are currently lying just off the Broad Way path near the platform,” Mr Farren said.

“It’s an eyesore — especially when people are arriving or leaving town, this kind of neglect sends the wrong message about who we are.”

Committee member Garry Alexander echoed the concerns, citing a lack of toilets and poor accessibility for passengers.

“If you’re waiting and need to use the bathroom, there’s nowhere to go unless you head into the bush,” he said.

“It’s disappointing. There’s a real sense of town pride attached to this place.”

The original station building was destroyed by fire, a loss still felt by many locals.

Mr Alexander said the current neglect risked repeating that sense of grief.

“People were offended when the old building burned down. It was part of our identity. Letting the station fall into disrepair feels the same.”

With an average of 10 to 15 trains passing through Mooroopna daily, the group believes now is the time to act.

“We’ve had the investment,” Mr Farren said.

“Now we need the maintenance. Without that, the progress we’ve made will slowly slip away.”