The highlight was a meeting with Hastings Gateway Corporation members who shared their vision for an information centre, museum and town hall at the historic rail site.

Mr Grant told residents of his strong links to the Hastings, as his grandmother was born in Comboyne and his grandfather was a timber miller at Herons Creek.

He also used the opportunity to inspect High Street, which will benefit from state government funding to improve pedestrian safety and amenity.

Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, explained that the NSW Government has committed $365,000, including $300,000 this financial year, for the Roads and Maritime Services to deliver the project in partnership with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

Building work is expected to start early next year.

"A draft concept plan is being prepared, which will incorporate extensive feedback from the community.

"The concept plan aims to encourage walking, improve pedestrian safety and review and upgrade existing infrastructure," Mrs Pavey said.

Mr Grant said he was very impressed with the Hastings Gateway Corporation's passion for paying homage to the area's indigenous, rail, timber and dairy history.

The project has been given a recent  boost with the announcement that former Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Australia chairman, Tim Fisher, is the proud patron.

Committee member and Historical Society president Ray Cooper said the proposed project would be "designed for, and with, the community".

Plans include transforming the station master's cottage precinct into a tourist information centre, Historical Society headquarters, museum, Town Hall and heritage rail restoration facility.

The old Rawdon Island church is also being relocated from Timbertown to a vacant block in Randall Street.

TAFE is also keen to offer a coach building course to complement the restoration facility, ensuring Wauchope becomes a centre for excellence for coach building, and age-old skills are passed onto a new generation.