 However, the underlying problems and rapidly deteriorating assets, particularly civil, meant that the work done was too late to be of benefit to the society despite the council's input of $199,000 towards maintaining the society.At a meeting held in October 2004 to discuss the future direction of the society, Mayor Whittle said "Contrary to rumor, council is not Hell-bent on closing Steamtown.It is realistic to say that trains are never likely to run again, due to issues such as track maintenance, insurance, lack of volunteers and money to do what other railway societies are doing".