Fowler engine controversy

A petition signed by more than 400 people and two presentations by locals concerned about its tenure will be heard by councillors.

The gallery at Wellington Council will be packed as councillors debate a decision to keep the engine in the town for the most part, but also send it to Goulburn under the management of Ainsworth Engineering for tourism and business opportunities.

Emotions have been running high since the decision was mooted and it also caused misinformed speculation which indicated the Fowler may be lost to the town.

The petition, which was distributed to cafes and hotels, gained overwhelming support and disaffected members of a committee of council have been part of some lobbying to keep the engine in Wellington permanently. Council will consider the two submissions and a petition in relation to the future operation of the machine which says there would be a Deed of Agreement with Ainsworth Engineering Pty Ltd to operate the Fowler Steam Traction Engine on behalf of Wellington Council for a period of 12 months with an option for a 12 month extension.

Noel Woodyard, who says he has a licence to drive the Fowler and will speak before the council, is disappointed with the committee and believes it is too dysfunctional. He has in hand a letter from the state member for Orange Andrew Gee who has asked questions on his behalf in relation to letters from two locals.

Local Don Graham who attended a recent steam engine event in Maitland will also front council over the Fowler which had its re-launching in Wellington.

The fall out has caused nothing but heartbreak for the community instead of its purpose - to be a showcase for it.