Introduction
On the evening of 23 February 2009, bushfires in the Daylesford region burnt out 1.6 km (1 mile) of track between Daylesford and Musk. This is the entire forest section between the 73 and 74 mile post.
DSCR members that have inspected the damage have an initial assessment of 80-90% of the sleepers (approx. 2000) having been totally destroyed along with the pit logs near the 74 mile post.
From 8 March 2009 to 22 August 2010, Rail operations continued at the DSCR with a shuttle service from Daylesford to the beginning of the burnt area.
On 22 February 2010, Geoff Howard, Member for Ballarat East, announced $300,000 in Bushfire recovery funding from the Community Enterprise FoundationTM, an initiative of Bendigo Bank. This funding was used to repair the damage in the forest between Daylesford and Musk.
Following the completion of the major works to repair and upgrade the line, a series of successful test trips were operated on 14 and 15 August 2010. Services will resume on Sunday August 29 with a special VIP train at 11:00am and regular public services from 12:30pm
Latest Updates
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29/8/2010
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Trains returned to Musk with 280hp Walker railmotor running a VIP special at 11:00am and public services commencing at 12:30pm. Click here for photos.
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15/8/2010
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Re-opening date between Daylesford and Musk set for 29 August 2010.
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14/8/2010
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First two test trips to Musk successfully operated with diesel locomotive Y159. Click here for latest photos.
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7/2010
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Re-sleepering has progressed towards musk. Wheelers Hill Road curve has been re-layed with 60lb AS rail. Leveling, tamping and boxing in continues. Click here for latest photos.
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6/2010
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Re-sleepering is now completed in the forest and the track has been tamped. Boxing in continues.
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2/6/2010
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Reconstruction work continues. New pit logs have been installed and new sleepers have been inserted through the forest. Click here for latest photos.
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19/4/2010
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Reconstruction work commences. Please click here for latest photos.
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22/2/2010
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Funding for repair of the bushfire damage was announced on 22 February 2010. Please click here for more information.
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30/8/2010
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Chair of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority, Christine Nixon visits the DSCR.
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For the latest photos, please visit the Gallery
Code Red (Catastrophic) Fire Day Policy
The DSCR Board has adopted as official policy that on days declared as Code Red (Catastrophic) Fire Days, all company operations will cease.
This will mean that there will be no railway related activities at all (operations, maintenance, restoration) and if on a Sunday no market. Volunteers will be asked not to attended any DSCR sites.
In consideration that Daylesford, Trentham, Blackwood, Hepburn are all amongst the 52 identified most at risk towns, thus placing the entire railway in a most at risk region, this was deemed to be the only responsible course of action.
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