Keeping our tram history on track

The City of Ballarat is replacing the 1.2km of very old and dilapidated tram track around Lake Wendouree on behalf of the Tramways Museum.

The Museum plays a significant role in preserving Ballarat’s tramway experience that existed on the city’s streets from 1887 to 1971.

The Ballarat Tramways Museum was successful in receiving a $1.2 million grant from the State Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund that was also matched by $1.2 million from the Federal Governments Local Road and Community Infrastructure grant, enabling the total project cost of $2.4 million to be achieved.

City of Ballarat Councillor Des Hudson said the continued maintenance of the tramway experience was essential not only for tourism reasons, but just as importantly for its historical and educational value to the city.

“Such work is substantial and yet the return on investment will be ten-fold,” he said.

“We have called for tenders and are anticipating the work to commence in April or May, with work completed in under three months from that time.

“This is an exciting project, and everything is on track to ensuring the successful future of the Tramways Museum as a major tourist drawcard to Ballarat.”

Find out more about the Ballarat Tramway Museum.