Petition - Keep GM1 in South Australia

[Alyx]

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GM1 is a heritage icon. It is among the first mainline diesel locomotives in Australia and has been based in SA since it was completed in 1951. The Commonwealth of Australia has owned this locomotive since then, however now it is being made available for preservation for just the cost of the transfer, and we owe it to our preservation forefathers to make sure it stays at home in South Australia, and preferably operational!


RailSA is asking you to sign this petition for its transfer to either the National Railway Museum or SteamRanger Heritage Railway, where it could be enjoyed by the South Australian public for generations. Both organisations have significant claim to it, with SteamRanger being able to operate it, albeit on broad gauge, for passengers to experience a ride behind this great machine with no GM locomotives preserved for passenger experience anywhere else in the state; and the National Railway Museum holding responsibility not only to the South Australian public, but the public of the nation to, at very least, attempt to preserve such cornerstones of rail history.


The petition will be sent to both the National Railway Museum and SteamRanger. With your support and a little fundraising, we can keep GM1 South Australian for the enjoyment of future generations!

Its time to speak up and make a difference!
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Click here to sign our petition
Click here to discuss GM1
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[Red_Rattler]

While presevation is important (& not just to railways), is it really necessary for GM1 to be preserved, as isn't GM2 already preserved, and from what your forum is saying, in more original condition?

Department of Infrastructure wrote:

The Department is seeking Expressions of Interest from interested parties (Respondents) who are able to demonstrate that they have the resources to take long term possession of the GM1 Locomotive for usage as a rolling or static historical piece. The Department does not have a preference as to use but does prefer that the GM1 Locomotive is made available to the Australian public.

The successful Respondent will acquire full ownership of the GM1 Locomotive and should demonstrate that it is able to provide safe storage and the appropriate upkeep for the GM1 Locomotive. The successful Respondent will take ownership and risk in the GM1 Locomotive from the time it signs of Deed of Transfer. The successful Respondent will be responsible for transporting the GM1 Locomotive to its place of residence/display.

Excuse me, but if the new owner will own it outright, isn't up to them to decide what to do with their own items, and that includes scrapping if they wanted to, or convert it to whatever they like?