New Shed for Historic Steam Engine

A community project request for a new shed was approved at today’s Tablelands Regional Council ordinary Council meeting.

The Tolga Historical Society requested permission to build the 6 x 6.3m shed at the Tolga Museum to house the old Atherton maize silo steam engine.

‘It’s always great when we have the opportunity to support local community groups like the Tolga Historical Society,’ said Councillor Kylie Lang.

‘The museum has a fascinating display of historical articles and stories, and the passionate volunteers do a fantastic job sharing their knowledge to visitors and locals.

‘The addition of the silo steam engine to their collection will increase the number of visitors, which will flow on to supporting the local economy.

‘The volunteers have already secured some of the funding to build the shed and will, no doubt, have no trouble sourcing the rest.

‘It’s a win-win situation,’ Councillor Lang said.

The maize silo steam engine was manufactured by Simon and Sons and is affectionately known as Ruby.

It was installed at the Atherton Silos in 1925 where it improved the maize industry’s efficiencies over many decades.