The historic Ballarat Tramway Museum is on track to be bigger and better with upgrades underway to bring more visitors to the region thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today announced works are underway on the Ballarat Tramway Museum – Museum Junction and Zoo Drive Track Replacement project, supported by a $1.2 million investment from the Labor Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund – Stimulus Round.

Ballarat Tramway Museum and the City of Ballarat are delivering the project, which will generate 30 construction jobs through the replacement of 600 metres of tracks from the museum’s junction to Zoo Drive, located near Ballarat’s scenic Lake Wendouree.

By replacing the existing tram tracks installed in 1905, visitors will enjoy a smoother tram ride and will be able to experience the history of Ballarat’s tramways more comfortably.

The project forms the second stage of the Ballarat Tramway Museum’s track renewal. Stage one was the replacement of tracks between Depot Junction and Carlton Street, backed by funding from the City of Ballarat and a $200,000 investment from the Government’s Pick my Project initiative.

The third and final stage will be tramway upgrades along Wendouree Parade.

Operating between 1887 and 1971, Ballarat’s tramlines are now a major tourist attraction preserved by Ballarat Tramway Museum. Offering guided tram tours, memorabilia and a tramcar collection, the museum attracts more than 30,000 visitors each year since it was first established over 40 years ago.

The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the Government’s flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, which helps businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria, supports community projects and helps councils to build the infrastructure locals need.

The Fund is key to the Government’s more than $30 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria since 2015. Information about the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund are available at rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif.

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas

“This project is creating 30 construction jobs now and will deliver a smoother ride for passengers visiting the Tramway Museum, which is a drawcard for Ballarat.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Keeping this historic tramline active for visitors will help preserve a unique and important part of Ballarat’s history for years to come.”