CLACKLINE’S rail heritage trail is one step closer to a long-awaited upgrade following a $200,000 joint Bullwinkel election commitment from Nationals candidate Mia Davies and Liberal candidate Matt Moran.

Announced at an event in Clackline on April 10, the funding promise targets a deteriorating 10km section of the Railway Heritage Trail – an item long listed in the Shire of Northam’s Priorities for the Future.

The trail segment forms part of the historic Eastern Railway line and was first flagged by the Clackline Progress Association, then elevated for inclusion in the tracks and trails masterplan through support from the Shire of Northam.

It links to the existing Clackline Trail, which celebrates the town’s rail legacy – including the iconic red railway carriage now repurposed as the local post office.

Shire of Northam President Chris Antonio said the funding would boost ongoing efforts to revitalise Clackline’s heritage precinct.

“In recent years, the Shire of Northam and the Clackline Progress Association have invested significant time and funds into developing Clackline’s rail heritage assets, which will be enhanced by the upgrades intended for the Railway Heritage line,” he said.

The project aligns with one of the key actions in the shire’s council plan to improve tracks and trails across the region.
The $200,000 commitment, if delivered following the federal election, would contribute to essential trail repairs and improve safety and accessibility for visitors and locals alike.

Clackline was once a vital rail junction linking Northam and Toodyay.

According to the Shire of Northam’s plan for the future July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2032 document, outcome 7.3.2 was to partner with a railway station heritage group to develop a formal railway station precinct plan.

The shire had budgeted $150,000 for the 7.3.2 outcome in 2025/26 according to the future plan document and $200,000 for the following year after that.