Ministerial Media Release: PAKULA WELCOMES TRAMS 44 AND 84 BACK TO BENDIGO

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From the Minister for Public Transport

Friday, 11 June, 2010

PAKULA WELCOMES TRAMS 44 AND  84 BACK TO BENDIGO

Public Transport Minister Martin Pakula today toured Bendigo's historic Tramways depot, welcoming back the two vintage trams that participated in the recent Malvern Depot Centenary celebration.

"Trams 44 and 84 played a starring role in the celebration in Melbourne late last month and it's great to see them back home in Bendigo," Mr Pakula said.

"The Brumby Labor Government contributed $146,500 towards their restoration so they could appear at the Centenary celebration in all their glory.

"Tram 44 first carried passengers for the Prahran and Malvern Tramways Trust (P&MTT) in 1913 and Tram 84 was also built for the P&MTT in 1917, so it's fitting they took part in the celebration."

Mr Pakula said the Bendigo Tramway Depot was Australia's oldest operating depot, dating back to 1903.

"Bendigo's network has 4.5 kilometres of track and trams, which run every 30 minutes from 9.30am to 4.30pm," he said.

Member for Bendigo West Bob Cameron said the depot was on track to become a major Victorian tourist attraction with the Brumby Labor Government contributing $1.5 million towards the $3.1 million redevelopment.

"Upgrading the depot's restoration workspace will allow visitors to tour safely through the site and experience a working attraction in central Victoria," Mr Cameron said.

''Bendigo's iconic trams are loved by locals and visitors alike and we are investing in the city's tram heritage to create more tourism and job opportunities."

Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said the works to upgrade the museum would employ 22 extra staff and create a safer environment for the volunteers who work to preserve Bendigo's tram heritage.

"During the redevelopment many of the depot's 40 trams in the fleet have been transferred to storage to allow the depot to be re-built," Ms Allan said

"The project includes extending the depot and workshop to provide more workspace to allow the workshop to expand employment and training and to meet increased demand for services and works to allow visitors to safely tour through the depot and observe the workshop in action."