The Brumby Government is helping secure the long-term viability of Portland Cable trams with a $32,000 grant announced today by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP.
Ms Tierney said Portland Cable Trams attracted about 80,000 passengers over the past six years and generated about $35 million for the local economy.
“In 2007 a major land slip occurred on the sea cliffs in Portland, in close proximity to the shunting infrastructure of the Portland Cable Trams,” Ms Tierney said.
“This project will relocate the shunting facilities about 80 metres west to the intersection of Bentinck and Wade streets, thereby enabling continued and safe operation of the Portland Cable Trams.
Other works include:
• Excavating a section of Wade Street and Hanlon Parade where the new track and shunt will be laid to join the existing track;
• Resurfacing affected section of Wade Street and the entrance to the Bowling Club car park;
• Creating a gravel pit at the end of the track in Hanlon Parade and covering it with turf at the completion of the works; and
• Completing line marking and relocate static Tram Warning signage.
Ms Tierney said the Brumby Government was supporting the project because Portland Cable Trams had become a tourism icon for the town.
“As well as attracting hordes of tourists and generate millions for the local economy, the Portland Cable Trams employs one person and provides work for about 40 active volunteers who undertake maintenance works, tram renovations, and act as conductors and tram drivers,” Ms Tierney said.
“This project will also showcase an excellent example of a successful community run tourism venture and provide significantly improved and safer facilities.”
Ms Tierney said Victorian Government funding for the $93,586 project would be provided to Glenelg Shire Council on behalf of Portland Cable trams Inc. through Regional Development Victoria’s Small Towns Development Fund.
“This project typifies initiatives supported by the Small Towns Development Fund, which are making a big difference to towns in provincial Victoria,” Ms Tierney said.
“The Small Towns Development Fund is helping Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure.
“So far, the Fund has contributed in excess of $40.9 million to 427 announced capital works projects throughout rural and regional Victoria with a total value estimated to be more than $88 million.”