Newly elected president Phil Buckley said the meeting generated positive and productive outcomes for both the railway society and the town.

The meeting was the first stage of the long term plan to bring back rail to the region and to sell the vision of a future of rail tourism and to enhance the tourist interest in Merriwa.

Mr Buckley said the railway station and line has been closed in Merriwa since 1988.

Passenger services ceased in Merriwa in 1977.

However, Mr Buckley said a six stage action working plan has been devised to restore the rail yard and then the rail line.

Guided by information and photo displays, the 31 community members who attended the meeting were given an overview of what the staged outcomes planned

Among those who attended the meeting were the key people who have driven the society since its inception three months ago, Brian Leedham, Bryan Baker, Trent Pegler and Paul Bird and Phil Buckley.

The Upper Hunter Shire Council corporate services director, Steve Pryor also attended.

The background to this latest effort to save the Merriwa rail yard and branch line to Sandy Hollow was explained and audience questions answered.

About 20 people also indicated interest in the society but were unable to attend.

Once the meeting formalities were conducted and a committee set up, members were signed up to the Society.

A tour of the Merriwa yard was held after the meeting where the Merriwa Rail Society executives showed people in detail what is going to be done. Much discussion ensured on how to do tasks and what that will involve.

With the launch of the project completed, the society will now focus on setting up the operations and beginning the restoration phase.

Within the next few weeks, the society hopes to gain the lease title to the rail yard site and following more discussions with rail heritage and relevant government and local council representatives, it hopes to be able to slowly start the restoration of the yard.

There is still much to be organised and resolved but there is a determined effort this time to not let this attempt fail as three other previous efforts have.

Details of the next meeting schedule, potential restoration phase - working day plans and progress reports regarding the society will be released when details have been resolved.

A tentative date has been set for February 2010 for beginning of Stage 1 of the restoration phase.

Details about the Merriwa Rail Society can be found online at http://merriwarailsociety.blog-sp ot.com.