Tram track to be updated

PART of Ballarat’s historical tramway will be upgraded thanks to funding from the Federal Government.

The City of Ballarat received over $1 million to replace a 600-metre section of the tram track on Wendouree Parade as part of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.

“Ballarat City Council has received a total of $8.49 million from the Morrison Government under the LRCI program for priority local roads and community infrastructure projects,” Senator Sarah Henderson said in a statement.

“After much lobbying from Ballarat Tramway Museum volunteers, I am delighted that council is directing $1.2 million of this funding to such a wonderful community asset.”

Ballarat has a collection of 15 historic trams, which first ran in 1887, in operation.

According to Ms Henderson, the trams and Tramway Museum attract 20,000 visitors each year.

“The Ballarat Tramway Museum’s 250 volunteers, led by president Paul Mong, do an incredible job preserving Ballarat’s historic era of tram travel,” Ms Henderson said.

“The Federal grant will replace a 100-year-old section of tram track which is vital for the safe operation of the tourist tram.”

In May this year the State Government allocated $1.2 million, also for 600 meters of tram track replacement.

A total of $8.49 million in Federal funding is being spent in Ballarat under the current round of Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program funding.

Projects include $1.3 million to rebuild the Gregory Street intersection, $1.3 million for the Wendouree Recreation Reserve change rooms and $1.15 million to rebuild Addington Creswick Road to 200 metres north of Creswick Creek.

Works are also being done on Armstrong Street, Lanstaffe Street, the car parking around St Patricks Point in Lake Wendouree, and the Gregory Street West and Ring Road roundabout.