Tramway Museum is changing tracks

SIX hundred metres of Lake Wendouree’s tram tracks will soon be replaced.

The State Government has injected $1.2 million into the Ballarat Tramway Museum from their Regional Infrastructure Fund to refresh the tracks which were originally installed 116 years ago.

The repairs will mean the BTM can run their fleet of historic trams in a safer way, welcoming over 30,000 people on board each year.

Ballarat Tramway Museum president Paul Mong said he’s is looking forward to families and visitors enjoying the trams and their historic stories for many more decades.

“This will generate 30 construction jobs, adding to the local economy, and protect our team of 60 volunteers who do a fantastic job keeping these trams operating for the benefit of the local community and visitors,” he said.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the Museum is to be congratulated.

“The $1.2 million will not only deliver the replacement tram tracks, but will create jobs in our community,” she said.

“The replacement of these century-old tracks will mean that many generations to come will enjoy tram rides around Lake Wendouree.”

The Regional Infrastructure Fund is a branch of the State Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, aimed at regional job creation as Victoria recovers from the pandemic.

Money from the fund is going towards projects led by community groups, as well as helping local governments build key infrastructure.

Regional municipalities can apply for funding from the 2020/21 program from Wednesday, 16 June.