THE push to get the Rosewood Railway Museum on the tourist map is back and with renewed vigour.

The last time the attraction was a working railway museum was some years ago.

Long time railway supporter Dave Pahlke is a former Ipswich City Council councillor and before that, a councillor at Moreton Shire Council.

Dave said the economic benefit to Rosewood’s businesses and the western corridor, would be significant if the museum was revived.

The push to fix up the tracks and trains is not new.

In 2023 volunteers were working on the tracks and locomotives.

In 2022 it was closed for some time while volunteers carried out repairs.

Back then, the Rosewood Lions Club donated $10,000 towards the cost of repairs and maintenance.

In 2025, the railway is no closer to returning to its former glory than it was seven years ago.

“Weed, rust, rot, erosion and vandalism … is it worth saving or are we going to just sit back and let this rare historical gem silently dissipate into palliative care,” he said.

“The museum track and yard at Kunkala, tucked away near Ashwell, may well be out of sight but we don’t want the Rosewood Railway to be out of mind.

“Our Rosewood and Ipswich district community need to know this and embrace the new journey with the museum members.”

On April 9, an onsite inspection was conducted by Lion’s club members Michael Golgerth and Lyall McEwan and museum supporter Matt Bone.

“There are historic rail assets, and the original Queensland Rail equipment held at the museum,” he said.

“Some of the rolling stock has been identified as being extremely rare gems within the railway and a few are the last of its kind in Australia.”

Queensland Railways turns 160 on July 31 and Rosewood’s railway museum supporters hope they will be able to join coverage of rail history with their offerings.

“There will be a series of articles on rail published.

“These will include the first journey by rail in Queensland which was from North Ipswich to Bigges Camp, which is now known as Grandchester,” Dave said.

“We will have a Rosewood Railway Museum presence at this year’s Rosewood Show and that will provide an opportunity to renew interest and support.”

Member for Ipswich Wendy Bourne is sponsoring the railway’s show display and organisers are looking for volunteers to lend a helping hand.

“I am thankful to have the assistance and passionate expertise of our four interim community group representatives,” he said.

“Reviving this rare and iconic piece of Queensland’s rail heritage will be no small task.

“There’s a significant amount of restoration and maintenance required on the track and the rollingstock.

“To make this dream a reality we are reaching out for strong community and corporate support.

“We need volunteers and financial support.”