By Kyra Gillespie
The relocation of Puffing Billy’s iconic ‘Day Out With Thomas’ events from Emerald to Gembrook has sparked controversy among Gembrook residents and businesses alike.
Puffing Billy Railway decided to move the event to Gembrook station in spring last year, after reaching maximum capacity at Emerald.
The events bring an additional 1600 people and 450 cars to town, with four events held each day.
Following two Day Out With Thomas information sessions held by Puffing Billy Railway, where some residents felt their concerns about events were not heard, Gembrook residents established the Gembrook Community Group in February 2017 to tackle their concerns collectively.
“The Gembrook Community Group surveyed nearly 300 local residents and discovered the town was spilt almost in half when asked if they wanted the Day out with Thomas events held in Gembrook,” Gembrook Community Group representative Jacqueline Child said.
“Many residents perceived the events brought economic benefit to the town. Thirteen main street businesses were then surveyed – of those, only five said they benefitted financially on events days.
“The top three concerns raised by residents were parking (82 per cent), traffic (83 per cent) and crowds (63 per cent).”
Feeling as though they had no prior consultation, the events took some residents by surprise.
“Imagine living in a peaceful country town that you have restricted access to 10 weekends of the year due to an event which brings little to no economic benefit to the town,” said Gembrook Community Group Chairperson, Joan Pepi.
Puffing Billy Special Events Manager Matt Collopy believes Puffing Billy is doing everything possible to listen to residents’ concerns.
“Puffing Billy Railway has been in regular communication with the Gembrook Community Group since its inception to discuss the Day Out With Thomas events being held at Gembrook Railway Station,” Mr Collopy said.
“While we are aware of the challenges with car parking and additional traffic, the railway has implemented a traffic management plan in consultation with Cardinia Shire Council.
“We shall continue working to ensure the safety of all visitors and residents alike.”
Mr Collopy said that while the events were part of the Cardinia Shire’s tourist strategy, the railway was conscious of ensuring Gembrook’s main street remained as clear as possible for residents.
“The railway has a mutually beneficial arrangement with the Gembrook Primary School and the Gembrook Scouts to provide off-street parking for Day Out With Thomas patrons.
“Additionally, both the railway and Cardinia Shire Council are working with the Gembrook Community Group to determine long-term parking options that will provide alternative car parking all year round.
“The railway will continue to liaise with the Gembrook Community Group to address their concerns and ensure a satisfactory outcome for all parties involved.”
Bi-monthly Stakeholder Working Group meetings are being held by the Gembrook Community Group to resolve resident concerns that were raised through the survey.
Individuals interested in joining the Gembrook Community Group are encouraged to email gembrookcommunitygroup@outlook.com.
