Queensland’s rich rail manufacturing history went on display at the Maryborough Mary Poppins Festival yesterday, with an iconic steam locomotive making tracks from Ipswich to the banks of the Mary River for the celebration.
It was the first time Queensland Rail’s iconic No.1089 steam engine has been on display in five years, giving rail enthusiasts and festival goers a chance to get up close to one of the powerhouses of the tracks.
The unmissable green BB18¼ was built in 1958 by Maryborough business John Walkers & Co, after a successful merger in the early 80s. The business continues to operate today as Downer Group.
The historic train joins the famous replica of the first steam locomotive built in the same factory, the Mary Ann in 1873, in a special display to commemorate 150 years of rail manufacturing in Maryborough.
As the birthplace of acclaimed author P.L Travers, Maryborough’s Mary Poppins Festival celebrates the art of storytelling, imagination, and heritage, and is free for all ages.
Transport minister Mark Bailey said it was a treat to be able to see the BB18¼ return to the same railway it rolled out of 65 years ago.
“Queensland has a deep and enduring rail history, and being able to celebrate the impact communities like Maryborough had in shaping this history is incredibly important,” he said.
“From the hands who built the locomotives which moved people and freight around our State, to the contribution to storytelling that P.L Travers made through her famous ‘Mary Poppins’, Maryborough, as a community, has truly made its mark on the word.”
Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the Mary Poppins Festival was always a fantastic display of art, culture and heritage which celebrates storytelling and imagination.
“This year is even more special, as we are also recognising 150 years of rail manufacturing in Maryborough, so the 2023 Mary Poppins Festival would not be complete without the appearance of the last steam engine the town ever produced,” he said.
Queensland Rail chief executive Kat Stapleton said serving Queensland as a fast passenger locomotive around the Darling Downs and in sugar freight in the Mackay region for 11 years, the BB18¼ was retired from service in 1969.
“In 2001, after a careful two-year restoration effort by the incredible team at the Ipswich Workshops, it was returned to the tracks as part of Queensland Rail’s Heritage Fleet,” she said.
“It’s wonderful to see this Queensland treasure on display in Maryborough to honour the contribution the community has made to the rail industry over the last century and a half.”
