Bendigo Tramways Study and Strategic Plan

Productivity - Reports
4.2
101
Ordinary Meeting - 04 November 2015
BENDIGO TRAMWAYS STUDY AND STRATEGIC PLAN
Document Information
Author and
Responsible
Director
Stan Liacos Director, City Futures
Summary/Purpose
The purpose of this report is to brief Council on the preparation of a study/strategic plan
recently completed for and by the Bendigo Trust into its future tourism tram operations in
Bendigo.
A copy of the full study report has been circulated separately to Councillors. The study
was a collaborative undertaking between several entities and was in largest part funded
by the Victorian Government.
The study considered issues relating to possible commuter service viability, extension
and direction of existing track and potential marketing opportunities that exist with
additional infrastructure and operational budget capability.
The study and key recommendations have been concluded after analysis and
consideration among stakeholders to identify and help resolve current issues and
limitations. The key findings identify that the business case for a commuter service and
any extension of track is not able to be justified at this time due to costs, current and
future road usage, budget feasibility and non-alignment with the primary tourism purpose
of the Trusts tram services.
There is however strong merit in infrastructure investment being progressively made to
support and revitalise the Tramways through current roadway traffic conflict resolutions
and through at least two additional tram stops being built in the near future at key tourism
attraction locations. This will provide the impetus for the Tramways to be the glue that
links together a range of other tourism and cultural attractions in central Bendigo.
Additionally, the study findings identify some marketing opportunities that exist for the
Tramways in timetable scheduling, themed event trams and product innovation, which
are also aligned to wider tourism efforts in creating a more unique point of difference to
enhance Bendigos overall tourism appeal.
Policy Context
Council Plan
3.3 Greater Bendigo is a community that values its heritage and supports arts and
cultural experience
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3.3.2 Promote heritage values and learning opportunities in partnership with

relevant heritage organisations.
Economic Development Strategy - Liveability (section):
Support the reinvigoration of the Bendigo Trust to not only ensure the preservation of
important Bendigo heritage assets (e.g. Tramways, Central Deborah Mine and Chinese
Joss House), but importantly also to ensure that the organisations operations more
strongly contribute to Bendigos diversifying tourism industry and appeal, and to be better
integrated into the overall marketing of Bendigo as a major visitor destination.
Report
Background
Bendigo has had trams since 1890, however in 1972 all but 4.2km of track was removed
to make way for alternative forms of transport. The remaining 4.2km of track has since
been used to operate a heritage tramway tourist attraction. The Bendigo Tramways is
governed by the Bendigo Trust on behalf of the City of Greater Bendigo. In the forty
years since the removal of the original track, the urban population has more than
doubled and Bendigo has also developed significantly as a tourist destination.
Road traffic has greatly increased along the tramline and continues to grow, which has
led to a greater number of traffic conflicts and delays to the service, particularly where
the single track tramline shares with turning vehicular traffic in both directions.
The tramway is being maintained and the fleet of trams is much improved from its
original condition in 1972, however there is a need to address existing infrastructure
issues and limitations placed on the service offer by the current track route.
In 2014, urban planners and tourism advisors Urban Enterprise in collaboration with
engineering consultancy Cardno were commissioned to undertake a strategic
investigation into the Bendigo Tramways in order to identify a strategic plan for the
current and future tramways operations. The overall study sought a review of
opportunities to address and enhance operational and infrastructure matters related to
the current role as a historic tourism service, while also identifying potential for additional
stops and track extensions within the context of the current tourism role. In addition, the
study presents an opportunity to consider the potential for the service and infrastructure
network to be broadened to include a public transport/commuter role in the future.
Bendigo Tramways
The current Tramways route runs 4.2km (8.4km total journey) from Central Deborah
Gold Mine to the Bendigo Joss House temple, providing a link between some of
Bendigos central city tourist attractions.
Trams typically operate hourly between 10am to 4pm each day, however a more
frequent service is run on peak/school holiday periods, typically between 20-30 minutes.
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The track is predominantly single track, with sections of double track along Pall Mall and
two passing loops. The existence of predominantly single track creates conflicts between
cars and trams where the track shares the right turn lane in both directions.
Talking Tram Tour is the primary product of the Tramways, with secondary product
including the 976 restaurant tram and the tram depot and workshop tour.
The Talking Tram Tour tickets are priced at $17.50 for adults, $16 for concession and
$11 for children and $51 for a family. Tickets are available that include entry/tours to
other Bendigo Trust attractions, through Bendigo Experience Pass tickets. Packages
are also available at times in conjunction with Bendigo Art Gallery.
Tramways visitation has remained relatively stagnant from 2002/03 to 2011/12 (includes
tours and specials), averaging approximately 43,400 patrons per year. Patronage
generally peaks in January, with the lowest visitation typically occurring in February,
August, May and June.
ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Unique and Iconic
The Bendigo heritage trams provide a unique point of difference for Bendigo as a
regional tourist destination and complement the cultural and heritage tourism offer of
Bendigo. No other regional destination in Australia can offer the same authentic heritage
tram experience within the layer of the broader cultural heritage experience of Bendigo
itself. The heritage trams are critical to this point of difference. Using the W-Class trams
to provide the Talking Tram Tour significantly affects the Bendigo Tramways point of
difference. It also poses an issue in terms of value for money, given the Melbourne City
Circle tram is a free service. The W-Class trams should therefore be utilised to generate
revenue via alternative avenues.
The heritage trams are a relative icon of Bendigo and their status arguably should be
elevated. The Tramways will however need to increase market awareness, improve the
value proposition as well as linking more effectively with the broader heritage, arts and
culture product and branding of Bendigo to increase its iconic status.
The current product offer of the Bendigo Tramways is arguably outdated and requires reinvigoration to appeal to various market segments and to respond to increasing visitor
demand for high quality tourism experiences and to increase the value for money of the
product offer.
Stagnant patronage
The Tramways patronage has been stagnant for the past ten years, averaging
approximately 43,400 per year. The stagnant patronage levels places increasing
pressure on the Tramways revenue and profitability. The Tramways have offset this
through increasing revenue from contract maintenance, repairs and restorations. It is
essential that Tramways patronage increases in order to ensure the long term viability
and sustainability of the Tramways operations.
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Opportunity Cost
It is critical that the Tramways remain as a financially sustainable tourism product in
Bendigo. If the Tramways operations ceased, there would be a significant economic
opportunity cost for Bendigo and Victoria including a loss of visitors currently
experiencing the Tramways product, loss of a key heritage tourist attraction and loss of
the synergies between the Tramways and other heritage attractions; loss of a key
regional tourism point of difference and loss of branding and marketing potential; loss of
direct jobs involved in the Tramways and flow on effects in the local economy; loss of
skills, unique to operating, repairing, maintaining and restoring heritage trams; loss of
tourism jobs as a result of reduced in-region expenditure; and loss of opportunities for
volunteers currently associated with the Tramways.
Traffic Conflicts
The existence of predominantly single track creates traffic conflicts between trams and
vehicles. These are primarily created through the existence of right hand turn lanes on
tram tracks. These traffic conflicts can cause lengthy delays to the trams and create
safety issues, significantly affecting the service delivery. This reflects poorly on the
experience for visitors. This issue is only likely to compound with inevitable increasing
traffic volumes in Bendigo.
These traffic conflicts should be addressed through infrastructure changed that facilitate
safe passage for trams and road users and increase the uninhibited operation of the
Tramways.
Diversifying the Product
There are currently 23 vintage trams in the fleet plus one custom fit restaurant tram. The
Talking Tram tour is the primary product offer of the Tramways, which has remained
relatively unchanged over the years. The Talking Tram tour is tailored to each heritage
tram but essentially the remaining commentary is the same for all trams. The Tramways
is therefore not capitalising on extracting value from various market segments and
groups. The lack of diversity in product offer and experiences may be deterring
patronage and repeat visitation.
The current Tramways tourism experience is in need of reinvigorating in terms of
providing new and innovative experiences which cater to a variety of market segments
and audiences. Potential market segments could include school groups (primary and
secondary), families, retirees, corporates, tram enthusiasts and international visitors.
PRODUCT ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES
1. Extension of the Tramways Narrative
There is opportunity for the Tramways to build upon and extend the Tramways narrative.
This would involve telling a variety of different stories which cater to different market
segments. Potential narratives could include:
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The cultural heritage of Bendigo;

The history of the Tramways in Bendigo from operators, drivers and original users;
Appealing to the family market by providing experiences and narratives that more
actively engage the interest of children;
The tourist attractions of Bendigo with detailed commentary of their history and
significance to Bendigo; and
An international visitor options which provides various tours in different languages.
2. Update Materials and Equipment
The quality of the product is dependent on the quality of materials and equipment being
utilised. Inaudible or poor sound quality can drastically affect the quality of the
experience for visitors. It is important that equipment is always functioning to a high
standard. There are current problems in this regard.
There is also opportunity to use different forms of media to deliver the product. This
could include the utilisation of digital media.
3. Push Notifications on Mobile Devices
The Bendigo Tramways is investigating the feasibility of utilising beacon technology to be
incorporated into the tour to promote Bendigo and its attractions and businesses directly
to visitors mobile devices. This would add considerable value to the tour product and
add value to Bendigos tourism and retail businesses. It would also encourage visitors to
hop on hop off and explore the citys other tourism attractions and retail precincts.
4. On Sell the Depot Tours
The importance of the Tramways Depot and Workshop tours should not be
underestimated to the overall Tramways experience. The Tramways depot and workshop
tour provides an authentic heritage tram depot/workshop experience that is
complementary to the Tramways tours.
This is where visitors can get a first-hand account of the work which goes into restoring
and running a fleet of heritage trams. On selling the depot and workshop tours to visitors
would create a wholly integrated experience, which would represent good value for
money.
5. Increase the Range of Themed Trams
There is an opportunity to increase the number of themed trams. Currently there are a
few themed trams including the Jimmy Possum Tram, the Yarn Bombed tram, the Art
Series Schaller Studio tram and the Restaurant Tram. Increasing the range of themed
trams would extend the product offer and appeal to different market segments.
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Coincide with Festivals and Events Themed trams could coincide with major festivals
and events. Festival themes trams may include Bendigo Easter Festival, Chinese New
Year, Blues and Roots Festival, Fashion Festivals, National Sheep and Wool Show, New
Moon Festival and other cultural festivals.
The Trams could be utilised to promote festivals and or event in the weeks leading up
and during the festival/event. Theming trams to particular events should be done in
collaboration with the organisers of the event to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
Coincide with Major Exhibitions and Shows There is also an opportunity to provide
themed trams which coincide with major exhibitions at Bendigo Art Gallery and major
shows at The Capital and Ulumbarra Theatre. These trams would also create awareness
of the exhibition to visitors and contribute to the overall visitor experience. This would
contribute to the marketability of the exhibition/show and create a greater market
presence within Bendigo. This would also enable a greater opportunity for package deals
associated with major exhibitions and shows.
These trams could operate in much the same was at the Art Trams currently do in
Melbourne.
Guided tours There is opportunity to introduce a guided tour to the Tramways product
and it is understood that Bendigo Tramways is considering the possibility of at least one
daily guided tour. This would provide a more personalised and authentic tour for visitors.
The guided tour could be operated on a trial basis to gauge visitor satisfaction in
comparison to the current Talking Tram tour.
Night Trams There is potential for a night tour to showcase Bendigo at night. This could
be in the form of a ghost tour to appeal to the family market and / or one that serves
drinks and canapes to appeal to a singles and couples market (run at twilight).
Food & Wine Trams - There is an opportunity to introduce year round themed trams
which appeal to food and wine visitors. This could include Trams which provide a tour
with local craft beer /cider and/or wine and local produce. This Tram would appeal to
visitor markets as well as local Bendigo residents.
The Bendigo Craft Beer and Cider Festival and Oktoberfest in Bendigo are two key
events in during which a local craft beer themed tram could operate. This would also help
increase awareness of the event.
Outsourcing the operation to private operators may generate revenue for the Tramways
while ensuring the operation of the product is undertaken by hospitality business with the
appropriate experience and resources.
6. Increase the range of Special Events Trams
There is opportunity to introduce a greater range of special event trams that can appeal
to different users.
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The corporate market could be captured by providing a tour service for business function
delegates. This type of tour would provide a value add to the function, providing
delegates with the opportunity to socialise and network. The tour would also provide
corporate visitors with an easy way to explore Bendigo, particularly if time is a constraint.
A party tram would need to offer more than a standard tour. These tours would need to
value add by including catering, provision for music, adequate seating, appropriate
lighting and decoration.
7. Link to existing Walking Packages
The Tramways tour could link to existing walking tour packages provided at the Bendigo
VIC. These tours are free, however they provide a value add to visitors who would like to
explore the city by foot from various Tramways stops.
8. Increase the Number of Stops
There is opportunity to add stops to the current Tramways route to better service
Bendigos tourism and commercial precincts. New stops would also increase the value
proposition of the tour.
New stops would generate greater exposure to visitors of tourism attractions and
businesses along the current tram route. Coupled with an increase in frequency, the hop
on hop off nature of the tour would be more viable and flexible. A greater number of
stops is likely to increase visitor dispersal along the tram route and likely to leverage
greater expenditure by visitors at local businesses and attractions. Additional stops on
the current Tramways route may include for instance:
1. Sacred Heart Cathedral and future Aspire Precinct
The Sacred Heart Cathedral is a major tourist feature in Bendigo and is a focal point
across the inner Bendigo area. The planned development of the Aspire Precinct,
fronting High Street will provide a gateway to the precinct and to Sacred Heart Cathedral.
This presents a unique opportunity to provide a tram stop that aligns with the Sacred
Heart Cathedral.
Presently, the closest stop to the Cathedral is located on Pall Mall, north of Mitchell
Street. This stop is well outside a reasonable 400m walkable radius and mitigates
against Tramways patrons including the Sacred Heart Cathedral within the tour.
2. Golden Dragon Museum (Mundy Street intersection with Pall Mall)
The Golden Dragon Museum is currently not serviced by a Tramways stop. The nearest
stop is located on Pall Mall at the juncture of Mitchell and View Street, which is not within
a reasonable 400m walkable catchment of the museum.
There is opportunity to locate a new stop outside the recently completed taxi rank and
toilet facility at the juncture of Pall Mall and Mundy / Bridge Street. The inclusion of a stop
here would service the Golden Dragon Museum, provide greater access to areas of the
CBD and Rosalind Park and provide greater viability for the hop on hop off service.
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Given the location of the recently established taxi rank, at the juncture of Pall Mall and
Bridge Street, a new tram stop could provide the opportunity for a signalised pedestrian
crossing to the taxi rank. The inclusion of a signalised pedestrian crossing would
increase the safety of pedestrians wanting to access the taxi rank or the public toilets.
Anecdotally, students from Bendigo Senior Secondary College also cross the road at this
point to access shops during lunch time and after school hours. A tram stop and
integrated pedestrian crossing at this location would therefore be of benefit to the
Bendigo community as well as Tramways patrons.
A new tram stop at this location would also better service the Conservatory Gardens in
Rosalind Park and to some extent the recent development of the Ulumbarra Theatre.
9. Track Duplication
The opportunity exists to implement a duplicated track along the current tram route:
Traffic Conflict Resolution
Many of the tram/traffic conflicts arise due to the provision of single tram track. The
introduction of duplicated track would resolve these issues, particularly relating to
conflicts which arise due to right hand turn lanes located on tram tracks.
Increased Frequency of Service
The introduction of duplicated track would remove the existing restriction on frequency of
tram services. This is particularly important between Myrtle Street and Mitchell Street
where the current track allows for a maximum of a 20 minute service frequency.
Duplicated track would provide an even greater level of achievable service frequency.
Full duplication of track would facilitate services of at least 10 minutes. This would also
facilitate a greater ability to promote the trams as a hop on hop off service.
Traffic Flow and Safety
Duplicated track would facilitate greater flow of traffic and tram movement which would
increase road safety for all users. Duplicated track would also provide certainty to all
road users about the relationship between trams and vehicles. Currently the provision of
some single track, some double track and some passing loops creates an ambiguous
situation for road users, promotes uncertainty for road users and can lead to poor
decision making by road users.
Product Enhancement
The provision of duplicated track would enhance the current tramways product through
the ability to increase the frequency of service, the ability to extend the track to other
tourism destinations and through creating a more reliable, safe and smooth journey for
passengers.
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Future Public Transport Provision

Duplicated track could facilitate a greater shift toward the provision of light rail public
transport in Bendigo in the longer term given much of the track infrastructure will already
be in place. It is considered that a reliable, efficient public transport service could not
operate on a predominantly single track, particularly when not operating on a loop route.
10. Extend the Tram Route
Extending the Tram route to take in more of Bendigos attractions and provide a longer
journey would significantly increase the value proposition of the Tramways and open up
opportunities for greater product enhancements and packages.
11. Increase the Frequency of Service
Proposed infrastructure works will facilitate an increase in the frequency of the tram
service. Increasing the frequency of service would facilitate a greater utilisation of the
hop-on hop-off service and provide greater value for money for the current service.
Currently, trams run every hour and every half hour during school holidays. The
frequency of service could be adjusted depending on variable demand (i.e. peak season,
low season) and trialled to measure the benefits / costs.
Running trams every 15-20 minutes would increase the attractiveness of the Tramways
as a hop-on hop-off service and contribute to the recognition of the Trams as being a
part of Bendigos historical and current urban fabric.
Funding the increased service operation could be achieved through greater visitation as
a result of the increased service. A future possibility is for a reduction in ticket price to be
explored which may result in the Tramways appealing to a broader market and resulting
in increased sales and ridership.
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATES
Preliminary cost estimates for various concept options to resolve current tram and
roadway traffic conflicts and new tram stops are provided in the table below:
The works have been grouped into a general order of priority within the context of the
current tourism role and its operational issues. Accordingly works resolving the conflict
between tram movement and right turn lanes and priority new stops are given the highest
priority.
Full track duplication will have significant benefits but the cost of works is high. It is
recommended that full track duplication should be considered in the context of the
implementation of the ITLUS recommendations for High Street / Pall Mall.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT POTENTIAL
The current operation of the Bendigo Tramways is not suited to providing a public
transport service. Public transport would need to be provided by a modern light rail
system.
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The introduction of a light rail service generally requires a population of at least 150,000
to 200,000 people. Bendigos population will not reach 150,000 for another 20 years.
A full public transport Light Rail service in Bendigo is very unlikely to be viable for at least
15 to 20 years. However the successful continuation of the existing heritage service
preserves the opportunity to consider the introduction of a Light Rail public transportation
service in the long term future.
ECONOMIC VALUE
It is considered that the Tramways has the potential to increase its visitation by more
than 40,000 visitors annually. Increase in visitation however is reliant on the
implementation of the high priority infrastructure projects (primarily new tram stops and
major traffic conflict resolutions) to facilitate improvement of the product to meet current
market demands.
It is estimated that 35,000 extra visitor nights could be achieved in the region as a result
of extended stay, equating additional direct in region expenditure of $5.2 million per
annum and indirect expenditure of $3.3 million, a total of more than $8.5 million.
The year-round operation of a 20 minute service frequency would result in the creation of
four ongoing jobs directly at the Tramways and an additional 80 or so jobs in Bendigo
due to increased visitor expenditure.
Implementation of key priority infrastructure projects, including conflict resolutions and
new tram stops would result in the creation of an estimated 52 jobs (equivalent full time)
during the design and construction phases.
Infrastructure Project
Note
Cost Estimate
Priority
Sacred Heart Cathedral

Precinct New Tram Stop
New Tram stop and traffic conflict

resolutions between Wattle Street and
Short Street
$1,310,000
High
Golden Dragon / Taxi Rank

Tram Stop (Mundy St Tram
Stop)
New tram stop and signalised pedestrian

crossing
$1,530,000
High
Myrtle St / Don St/ Vine St
Localised duplication of track to resolve

traffic conflict
$800,000
High
Chapel St / McCrae St
Localised duplication of track to resolve

traffic conflict
$790,000
High
Midland Hwy passing

loop
Realignment of through lanes to avoid

tram tracks and resolve traffic conflict
$640,000
High
Sub Total
$5,070,000
Deborah Gold Mine / Violet

St
Signalised movement of trams in the out

of Goldmine to avoid traffic conflicts
$230,000
Medium
McCrae St / Tramways Ave
Signalised movement of trams in and out

of Depot to avoid traffic conflicts
$860,000
Medium
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Midland Hwy / Nolan St
Traffic lane and tram track separation to

avoid conflicts
$220,000
Medium
Nolan St / Bridge St
Signalised tram movement and passing

loop clear of traffic
$560,000
Medium
Joss House / Finn St
Signalised tram movement from Joss

House terminus
$470,000
Medium
Bridge St / Weeroona Ave
Warning system for tram crossing
$370,000
Medium
Sub Total
$2,710,000
Track Duplication (Option

1)
Cost for track duplication from Myrtle

Street and Mundy Street to Chapel Street
retaining existing track. Cost is additional
to other works.
$2,900,000
Medium
Track Duplication (Option

2)
Full track duplication relacing existing

track from Myrtle Street to Mitchell Street
and Mundy Street to Chapel Street
$7,800,000
Medium
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
The necessary infrastructure improvements and the product enhancement strategies are
fundamentally linked. The Tramways as a tourism product cannot move forward without
building the infrastructure to enable the implementation of strategies that will ensure the
long term sustainability and growth of its operations.
As it currently stands tram patronage, has remained relatively stagnant for ten years. In
order to increase patronage, the Tramways must respond to increasing visitor demand
for high quality, innovative, authentic tourism experiences, otherwise they run the risk of
falling to the wayside. It is essential that the Tramways implement key infrastructure
initiatives in order for this to happen.
The long term sustainability of the Tramways is not only important to itself but it is also
fundamentally important to Bendigo as a tourist destination and a diversified economy.
The Tramways is an iconic feature of Bendigo and a key component of its heritage and
cultural fabric.
Ensuring its sustainable operation is a key to the marketing of Bendigo as a heritage and
cultural destination, attracting visitation, providing a point of difference to other regional
cities and towns and attracting population growth to a diversified and fascinating city.
The Tramways should be a product for the locals as much as it is a product for tourists.
Facilitating local buy-in and community support of an authentic tourism product will
ensure the long term sustainability of the Tramways.
The Tramways iconic status should be elevated within the Bendigo tourism context.
However, this can only be achieved through implementing infrastructure and product
enhancement strategies that make it a world class tourism experience, driving increased
patronage both from visitors and from local residents.
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IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
The table below provides an indicative implementation plan for strategies and
infrastructure projects for the Tramways. The plan includes a summary of the strategy,
actions to be taken to implement the strategy / infrastructure project, a delivery timeframe
and priority funding support from the Victorian and/or Australian Governments will be
important in this regard.
INDICATIVE STRATEGIES
Strategy
1. The Tramways Iconic
Status
2. The W Class Trams
3. A diversified product
4. Value for money
(a) Increase the

frequency of
service
(b) Extension of the

existing
tramways
narrative
Summary
Utilise heritage trams as
point of difference for
Bendigo and enhance
iconic status
Utilise W-Class trams
for alternative uses to
core product offer e.g.
special event trams,
advertising space,
charters
Diversify product offer
to appeal to different
market segments
Increase the value

proposition of the
Tramways experience;
as set out below.
Increase the frequency

of service to a 20
minute service to
promote a hop-on hopoff service. Additional
tram stops and traffic
conflict resolutions are
critical to an increase in
service frequency.
Development of
different narratives to
appeal to various
market segments.
(c) Update materials

and equipment
Ensure materials and

equipment is
functioning to a high
standard. Explore
alternative modes of
narrative delivery.
(d) Utilise push

notifications on
mobile devices
Utilise beacon
technology for push
notifications on mobile
devices.
Action
Only use heritage trams
for the heritage tourism
Timeframe
Immediate
Priority
High
Explore feasible
alternatives for use of WClass trams. Seek
expressions of interest
from potential operators.
0-1 year
High
Explore product changes

that appeal to different
markets e.g. school
groups, families, tram
enthusiasts, international
visitors
Explore options to
improve the product offer
to increase the value
proposition including
various product
enhancement strategies
Investigate increase in
service frequency,
particularly to coincide
with implementation of
infrastructure
recommendations.
0-3 years
High
0-3 years
High
0-3 years
High
Explore opportunities for

the development of new
narratives which appeal
to different markets
0-1 year
High
Perform regular reviews

of materials and
equipment. Investigate
alternatives to narrative
delivery (the Tramways is
currently trialling a mobile
application)
Investigate feasibility of
using Beacon technology
to deliver localised
information to visitors.
0-2 years
High
0-2 years
High
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(e) Increase the

range of themed
trams
Align with festivals and

events; align with
exhibition and shows,
guided tour, night tram
(ghost tram), food and
wine.
(f)
Increase the range of

special event trams to
appeal to different
users.
Increase the
range of special
event trams
5.
113
(g) Link to existing

walking
packages offered
from the VIC
Link Tramways product

with walking tours from
VIC
Extend the Tram

Route
Investigate options to
extend the tram route to
better service Bendigos
tourist attraction and
increase the value
proposition of the
product
Liaise with Bendigo

Tourism, Bendigo Art
Gallery, The Capital,
event organisers, and the
City of Greater Bendigo
on including new themed
trams which align with
events, shows, festivals
and exhibitions.
Explore options to
outsource W-Class trams
to external operators for
special event trams e.g.
Rosalind Park walking
tour.
Liaise with Bendigo
Tourism, VIC staff and
any walking tour
operators on options to
link tram stops with
walking tours e.g.
Rosalind Park walking
tour.
Explore options for tram
route extensions.
Investigate potential of
Rosalind Park tram route
extension to leverage off
implementation of
Rosalind Park Master
Plan
0-3 years
High
0-3 years
High
0-3 years
Medium
10-20 years
Low
INDICATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Infrastructure improvements
Priority
1. Establish a new stop ay the Sacred Heart Cathedral / Aspire Precinct
Delivery /
Timeframe
0-2 years
2. Establish a new stop at Golden Dragon Museum / Mundy St
0-3 years
High
3. Intersections
a. Myrtle St / Don St / Vine St
b. Chapel St / McCrae St
0-3 years
High
4. Midland Highway Passing Loop
0-3 years
High
3-5 years
5. Other infrastructure Improvement Projects
a. Deborah Gold Mine / Violet St -signalised movement for trams
b. McCrae St / Tramways Ave signalised movement for trams
c. Midland Hwy / Nolan St traffic / tram separation
d. Nolan St / Bridge St Signalised tram movement / passing loop separation
e. Joss House / Finn St Signalised tram movement
f. Bridge St / Weeroona Ave tram approach warning system
10-20 years
6. Full track duplication
PAGE 113
High
Medium
Medium
114
General Actioning of Infrastructure Projects

1. Liaise with key stakeholders and proponents regarding potential funding and/or
support for a new stop/infrastructure projects (particularly VicRoads).

2. Seek funding for the detailed engineering design of select infrastructure projects.
Design consideration should be given to the potential for a passing loop and/or future
track duplication and pedestrian crossings where appropriate. The design study may
require an update of traffic modelling in the vicinity to obtain more detailed traffic
movement in the area. The design study may require an update of the tourism,
operational and economic benefits and a detailed estimate of project cost.
3. The engineering design should have regard to the potential for full track duplication in
the future.
4. Liaise with and obtain the support of VicRoads, City of Greater Bendigo and any
other relevant stakeholders regarding the outcomes of the design study.
5. Seek funding for construction and any associated works.
External Consultation:
The Bendigo Tramways Study and Strategic Plan was prepared by Urban Enterprise for
the Bendigo Trust and finalised in May 2015. The Study Steering Committee comprised:
Ian Hart CEO Bendigo Trust
Jos Duivenvoorden Bendigo Tramways Manager
Mal Kersting - VicRoads
Stan Liacos CoGB
Katherine Wrzesinski CoGB (in association with colleague Phil DeAraugo)
Gillian Sawyer Regional Development Victoria
In early 2015, public comment was sought by the Bendigo Trust in response to a draft
paper released and approximately 30 comments were received and generally accounted
for and incorporated into the final report.
Resource Implications
The study cost $99,000 funded from the contributions of the Victorian Government (RDV)
of $80,000 and the Bendigo Trust of $19,000 (drawn from Councils annual contribution
to the Trust.)
PAGE 114
115
The preparation of the plan provides an opportunity for the Bendigo Trust, in association
with the City, to seek collaborative funding support over the next few years for priority
infrastructure investments from the Australian and/or Victorian Governments and
philanthropic contributors where possible with the opportunity for Council to prudently
and efficiently provide supportive matching funding by leveraging its existing annual ongoing financial contributions and infrastructure support to the Bendigo Trust.
Conclusion
The Bendigo Tramways are an iconic feature on the Central Bendigo landscape and of
Bendigos tourism appeal.
The financial sustainability and tourism appeal of the tramways is however showing
some recent signs of decline.
The recently prepared Bendigo Tramways Study and Strategic Plan provides a wellconsidered basis upon which to hopefully refresh and reignite the tramways place in
Bendigo civic life and its contribution to Bendigos growing tourism industry.
Desirable initiatives in this regard include:
Product and customer technology upgrades
Resolution of several frustrating, costly and safety-threatening tram-road traffic
conflicts; and
Maximising the cross-dependency synergies between the Trusts Tramway and
Central Deborah Tourism Mine operations to enhance tourism appeal and the
financial sustainability of the Bendigo Trust.
It is recommended that Council endorse the Tramways Plan as a sound basis upon
which to hopefully leverage Victorian and/or Australian Government and community
support to help implement the plan over forthcoming years.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Greater Bendigo City Council commend the Bendigo Trust on the preparation of
the Bendigo Tramways Study and Strategic Plan and agree to work collaboratively with it
in an effort to attract Victorian and/or Australian Government funding and community
support to implement priority components of the plan over forthcoming years.
PAGE 115

Bendigo Tramways Study and Strategic Plan

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Productivity - Reports

Ordinary Meeting - 04 November 2015