THE Borenore Railway Station could have a new lease of life as a home for market days, tennis competitions, and even have trains stop off again if the community gains control of the building.
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But the now-defunct Borenore Community Sports and Social Club still holds the lease for the government-owned asset, and the club’s former president Kevin Duffy wants Cabonne Council to take back the building.
The railway station recently came to prominence when the Orange City councillor told a tribunal hearing, deciding on his eligibility to be on the council, that he sometimes stayed overnight at the station.
But an ASIC record tendered to the tribunal showed the club was deregistered on February 21, 2012.
A Transport NSW spokesman said the management of the country regional network, John Holland Rail (JHR), was “in discussion” with the club about the future of its lease for the railway station “as part of their normal property management work”.
“Borenore Community Sports and Social Club has leased the building since 1999,” he said.
“JHR and Cabonne Council have had initial discussions on possible future arrangements should the property become available for lease.”
Cabonne mayor Ian Gosper said the council was in negotiations about taking on the lease following interest from members of the Borenore Trail Group looking for a home for the tourist body.
Borenore Trail Group president Julie Dolle said the group had abandoned plans to use the railway station when they were told it was leased to the social club.
But she hoped a progress association for the village, in the process of forming, would take it on.
“The Borenore Trail Group is looking at supporting them with sponsorship,” she said.
“As I understand Kevin Duffy has access to it.
“It’s still available for community groups to use but the tennis courts are in such disrepair no one can use them.”
Mrs Dolle said the Borenore Men’s Shed was also keen to come on board.
“The first community project would be getting those tennis courts up and running,” she said.
“We’re very keen to have it return to the community.
“There’s a lot of mums and dads at the school who would like to be involved ... to build that community spirit.”
As well as community markets, Mrs Dolle also hopes trains could stop at the now closed station for special events and upgrades to the playground and tennis courts could revive the area.
clare.colley@fairfaxmedia.com.au