Mr Smith has launched a petition to revive the Picton-Mittagong Loop Line, which would allow steam trains to run between the two towns.

The 34-kilometre single track loop line was established during the 1860s, but has not been used for 44 years.

Mr Smith said he was inspired after chatting with Wollondilly residents who shared his passion for restoring the historic line.

He Thirlmere’s NSW Rail Museum could use the line for tourism, which could “greatly revitalise” the facility.

“Revitalising the Picton-Mittagong loop will create local jobs, help attract tourism to our beautiful region and create a wonderful activity for families,” he said.

“Personally, I would love to be able to take my kids on a steam train journey across this region and show them what makes Wollondilly so special.”

However, the suggestion has received a lukewarm response from Mr Smith’s political opponents.

Wollondilly independent candidate Judith Hannan said she was passionate about the loop line but believed the region had more pressing transport issues.

Ms Hannan said she would like to see improvements made to the Sydney Trains timetable for the Southern Highlands line.

“I would love to see the loop line return but you don’t need to launch a petition for it to happen,” she said.

“I am passionate about train services. But it’s more important to get the transport issues sorted for people rather than a tourism opportunity.”

Local Labor candidate Jo-Ann Davidson said the loop line would be a “welcome sight” for many residents and would boost tourism growth in Wollondilly.

However, Ms Davidson said there were critical issues such as education, health and emergency services that the state government “continued to neglect for our community”.

“I think residents are smarter than this and will recall all the previous times the loop line has been used as an empty promise in lieu of tackling the real issues in Wollondilly,” she said.

Nearly 700 people have signed Mr Smith’s petition since it launched last month.

Mr Smith encouraged residents to sign the petition, which would be brought to the state government.

“I firmly believe that if we all come together, this is a great opportunity for our region,” he said.

To view the petition, visit www.change.org/p/parliament-of-nsw-rejuvenation-of-the-picton-mittagong-loop-line.