The much-loved Ballarat Tramway Museum has received $1,200,000 under the Andrews Labor Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund – Stimulus Round.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today announced funding for the project, which is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s commitment to build the things that matter to locals and help Regional Victoria thrive.

The project is among a suite of successful initiatives as part of this year’s Regional Infrastructure Fund – Stimulus Round.

The project will replace 600m of track that is in a state of disrepair and dates back to 1905. This will allow the Ballarat Tramway Museum to continue to operate its historic trams in a safe manner for the local community and the 30,000 + visitors per annum.

The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, which helps businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria, support community projects and support councils to build the infrastructure locals and visitors need.

The stimulus round aims to revitalise local economies while we continue our steady recovery from the global pandemic by creating more jobs now, while improving tourism and community infrastructure.

The Fund is key to the Government’s $8 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria unveiled in the Andrews Labor Budget 2020/21 to support communities to come back stronger than ever.

The second round of the Fund’s 2020/21 program is due to open for applications from 16 June. Under this competitive round, local regional and rural councils will be invited to apply for grants.

Information and guidelines for the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund can be found at rdv.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“The Ballarat Tramways Museum is to be congratulated on receiving this funding. The $1,200,000 will not only deliver the replacement tram tracks, but will create jobs in our community.”

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

Quotes attributable to Ballarat Tramway Museum President Paul Mong

“On behalf of the Ballarat Tramway Museum I would like to thank the State Government and our very supportive local member for Wendouree Juliana Addison on this wonderful announcement.”

“This announcement will see our historic trams continue to operate in a safe manner for thousands of visitors a year for many decades to come. It will also 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.”