General News
18 March, 2025
New life for Talbot station
Talbot Action Inc has received numerous enquiries from residents keen to see Talbot Train Station preserved and used for community purposes.
The group will be hosting a meeting where locals can express ideas of potential use of the building, which may enable proposals to be advanced for consideration.
Victorian Goldfields Tourism Executive chair Chris Meddows-Taylor said a majority of proposed suggestions include arts and culture events, a railway museum and a location to host small events.
“There’s three things that have come up. We have an active arts group, people keen to have small events here, and interest for more model railway,” he said.
The building has been vacant since 2023 and still has no use.
“It’s just empty, and that’s a problem. It needs maintenence, it needs work and it’s not going to happen if it just sits there,” Mr Meddows-Taylor said.
Talbot Action Inc are aiming to create a community hub from the historic station in an approach similar to many other towns in Victoria.
“They have restored Creswick and Clunes and they have been given to the community, we have a history of this station being used for things to drive interest and tourism,” Mr Meddows-Taylor said.
With the recent announcement of Victoria’s goldfields being added to the World Heritage tentative list, Mr Meddows-Taylor believes the community needs to act now to ensure a use is confirmed before recognition is finalised in 2027.
“Coming to a decision before we are heritage listed makes it much easier, if the added visitation is already there, it is part of the equation that creates added opportunity,” he said.
Mr Meddows-Taylor said by repurposing the 150-year-old station, Talbot can benefit from the increased visitation via the pre-existing goldfields touring route.
“It will be something really interesting and engaging along that route and attract people and visitors. You’re bringing in more people with money who both want to see and experience interesting things. The more you can offer something interesting, it will create added visitation,” he said.
Mr Meddows-Taylor said commu-nity input is vital for ensuring strong commonwealth investment.
“We want a robust proposal and to have recognition by State Government, the timing now is really good. If we drum up the interest now, drum up the proposals, we can let the government know why we are interested, and ensure it is well cemented in place before then,” he said.
Those interested are invited to the meeting to explore options and opportunities for the Talbot Heritage Railway station.
“There is some potential now to develop other things, we are getting practical suggestions from people who want to change it now,” Mr Meddows-Taylor said.
The meeting will be held at 2 pm Saturday, March 22 at the ANA Hall Talbot.