Leader of the Nationals and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said today that VicTrack has confirmed that it remains committed to leasing the Rochester Railway Station building to the Rochester Lions Club for the establishment of the Rochester Sports Museum.
Mr Walsh said that the commitment has come in a response to his question in Parliament on 6 June to the Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan.
“There had been uncertainty around the leasing arrangements because of the condition of the station and the committee were becoming nervous when they could not get any response from VicTrack.
“I asked the Minister to have the repair works expedited to enable the Rochester Sports Museum to be established” Mr Walsh said.
The Minister has responded that the railway station requires substantial works before the lease arrangement can be progressed.
She said VicTrack is currently assessing the full extent of the works to be undertaken but remained committed to leasing the station to the Rochester Lions Club.
Mr Walsh said the sports museum would deliver a number of benefits to Rochester and the region.
“Coupled with the silo project which is looking sensational the museum will encourage visitors to stop in Rochester and create more opportunities for retail and commercial outlets to attract additional business.
“Rochester is definitely on the up and all credit must go to the enthusiastic community members driving these tremendous initiatives.
“On behalf of the Rochester community I will continue to pressure VicTrack to complete the works at the railway station as quickly as possible so that the valuable and very interesting Forbes sporting memorabilia collection can have a place to call home.”