The Zig Zag Railway is a "not for profit" co-operative owned and operated by members of the Zig Zag Railway Co-op Ltd. Any operating surplus is re-invested in the railway.

The objects of the co-operative are the operation and maintenance of a narrow gauge railway over the formations of the Lithgow Zig Zag. This involves not only locomotives, carriages and other rolling stock but also railway lines, platforms, stations and sheds. Other aspects include equipment and facilities for passengers.

It comes under the supervision of the New South Wales Registrar of Co-operatives, part of the Department of Fair Trading and is registered under the Charitable Collections Act.

Members do not receive dividends. Each member has one vote regardless of share holding.

If you are interested in helping the Zig Zag Railway, there are several methods: