Work is underway to replace a section of Lake Wendouree’s historic tram tracks following funding from the Andrews Government and Ballarat City Council.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, and Ballarat Mayor, Samantha McIntosh, joined volunteers from Ballarat Tramway Museum today to inspect the replacement of 300 metres of track in Wendouree Parade.

The project involves excavation works, the removal of the old track and laying a base for the new tracks.

The upgraded tracks will be supported by a concrete base with precast concrete sleepers. An asphalt pavement will complete the works to complement the existing road.

The project to upgrade the old tracks has been made possible through a $200,000 Pick My Project grant from the Andrews Government and $590,000 from Ballarat City Council.

Ms Addison said she was delighted to see the works underway.

“The volunteers at the Ballarat Tramway Museum do an amazing job and I’m glad the Andrews Government has been able to help with $200,000 towards this important project,” Ms Addison said.

“Trams are such a big part of our history and this investment from the government and council will ensure they continue to operate around our iconic Lake Wendouree,” she said.

Cr McIntosh said council was thrilled to assist such an important project.

“The City of Ballarat is thrilled to be able to inject $590,000 into this project to replace a section of historic tram tracks at Lake Wendouree. This is an exciting opportunity to preserve a piece of Ballarat’s unique tramways heritage,” Cr McIntosh said.

Ballarat Tramway Museum President, Paul Mong, said some of the track is over 100 years old and in desperate need of replacement.

“The track dates back to 1905 and it has been in poor condition for some time so this funding from the Victorian Government and Ballarat Council is really welcome and appreciated,” Mr Mong said.

“We are getting to the stage where all of the track will need to be replaced but this is a really great start,” he said.

“This upgrade will ensure trams will operate in Ballarat for many generations to come,” Mr Mong said.

Work to replace the track is being undertaken by civil construction company Fulton Hogan and is expected to be complete in early October, weather permitting.