No passenger trains have been through the town since 1978 and the tourist train, the Stringybark Express, hasn’t run between Wahgunyah and Rutherglen for three years.

But the Wahgunyah Progress Association has a vision that will see toilet blocks, extensive parking areas and information signs erected on the reserve.

“We want a passive recreation area and an area where kids can come to throw a frisbee or fly a kite,” association president Alan Pleitner said.

“We’re only looking for guidance from the council; we’re not looking for financial help, we know the financial constraints councils are under.”

The association has been keen to develop the area since 2003 but the land was owned by VicTrack and not the council.

Indigo Council now leases the land, near where the railway station used to be, west of Nestle’s Uncle Tobys factory, and cleaned up the area last year.

Mr Pleitner expects stage 1 of the project to cost about $25,000 and he is confident the community will be able to cover costs.

A draft master plan will be presented to a public meeting next week from 6.30pm at the School of Arts Hall supper room.