bendigo tramways study and strategic plan

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Productivity - Reports 101 Ordinary Meeting - 04 November 2015

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4.2 BENDIGO TRAMWAYS STUDY AND STRATEGIC PLAN

Document Information

Author andResponsible Stan Liacos Director, City FuturesDirector

Summary/Purpose

The purpose of this report is to brief Council on the preparation of a study/strategic planrecently completed for and by the Bendigo Trust into its future tourism tram operations inBendigo.

A copy of the full study report has been circulated separately to Councillors. The studywas a collaborative undertaking between several entities and was in largest part fundedby the Victorian Government.

The study considered issues relating to possible commuter service viability, extensionand direction of existing track and potential marketing opportunities that exist withadditional infrastructure and operational budget capability.

The study and key recommendations have been concluded after analysis andconsideration among stakeholders to identify and help resolve current issues andlimitations. The key findings identify that the business case for a commuter service andany extension of track is notable to be justified at this time due to costs, current andfuture road usage, budget feasibility and non-alignment with the primary tourism purposeof the Trusts tram services.

There is however strong merit in infrastructure investment being progressively made tosupport and revitalise the Tramways through current roadway traffic conflict resolutionsand through at least two additional tram stops being built in the near future at key tourismattraction locations. This will provide the impetus for the Tramways to be the glue thatlinks together a range of other tourism and cultural attractions in central Bendigo.

Additionally, the study findings identify some marketing opportunities that exist for theTramways in timetable scheduling, themed event trams and product innovation, whichare also aligned to wider tourism efforts in creating a more unique point of difference toenhance 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 withrelevant heritage organisations.

Economic Development Strategy - Liveability (section):

Support the reinvigoration of the Bendigo Trust to not only ensure the preservation ofimportant Bendigo heritage assets (e.g. Tramways, Central Deborah Mine and ChineseJoss House), but importantly also to ensure that the organisations operations morestrongly contribute to Bendigos diversifying tourism industry and appeal, and to be betterintegrated 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 sincebeen used to operate a heritage tramway tourist attraction. The Bendigo Tramways isgoverned by the Bendigo Trust on behalf of the City of Greater Bendigo. In the fortyyears since the removal of the original track, the urban population has more thandoubled and Bendigo has also developed significantly as a tourist destination.

Road traffic has greatly increased along the tramline and continues to grow, which hasled to a greater number of traffic conflicts and delays to the service, particularly wherethe 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 infrastructureissues and limitations placed on the service offer by the current track route.

In 2014, urban planners and tourism advisors Urban Enterprise in collaboration withengineering consultancy Cardno were commissioned to undertake a strategicinvestigation into the Bendigo Tramways in order to identify a strategic plan for thecurrent and future tramways operations. The overall study sought a review ofopportunities to address and enhance operational and infrastructure matters related tothe current role as a historic tourism service, while also identifying potential for additionalstops and track extensions within the context of the current tourism role. In addition, thestudy presents an opportunity to consider the potential for the service and infrastructurenetwork 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 DeborahGold Mine to the Bendigo Joss House temple, providing a link between some ofBendigos central city tourist attractions.

Trams typically operate hourly between 10am to 4pm each day, however a morefrequent 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 andtwo passing loops. The existence of predominantly single track creates conflicts betweencars 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 productincluding the 976 restaurant tramand 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 toother Bendigo Trust attractions, through Bendigo Experience Pass tickets. Packagesare also available at times in conjunction with Bendigo Art Gallery.

Tramways visitation has remained relatively stagnant from 2002/03 to 2011/12 (includestours and specials), averaging approximately 43,400 patrons per year. Patronagegenerally 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 aregional tourist destination and complement the cultural and heritage tourism offer ofBendigo. No other regional destination in Australia can offer the same authentic heritagetram experience within the layer of the broader cultural heritage experience of Bendigoitself. The heritage trams are critical to this point of difference. Using the W-Class tramsto 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 CityCircle tram is a free service. The W-Class trams should therefore be utilised to generaterevenue via alternative avenues.

The heritage trams are a relative icon of Bendigo and their status arguably should beelevated. The Tramways will however need to increase market awareness, improve thevalue proposition as well as linking more effectively with the broader heritage, arts andculture product and branding of Bendigo to increase its iconic status.

The current product offer of the Bendigo Tramways is arguably outdated and requires re-invigoration 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 theproduct offer.

Stagnant patronage

The Tramways patronage has been stagnant for the past ten years, averagingapproximately 43,400 per year. The stagnant patronage levels places increasingpressure on the Tramways revenue and profitability. The Tramways have offset thisthrough increasing revenue from contract maintenance, repairs and restorations. It isessential that Tramways patronage increases in order to ensure the long term viabilityand sustainability of the Tramways operations.


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Opportunity Cost

It is critical that the Tramways remain as a financially sustainable tourism product inBendigo. If the Tramways operations ceased, there would be a significant economicopportunity cost for Bendigo and Victoria including a loss of visitors currentlyexperiencing the Tramways product, loss of a key heritage tourist attraction and loss ofthe synergies between the Tramways and other heritage attractions; loss of a keyregional tourism point of difference and loss of branding and marketing potential; loss ofdirect jobs involved in the Tramways and flow on effects in the local economy; loss ofskills, unique to operating, repairing, maintaining and restoring heritage trams; loss oftourism jobs as a result of reduced in-region expenditure; and loss of opportunities forvolunteers 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 ontram tracks. These traffic conflicts can cause lengthy delays to the trams and createsafety issues, significantly affecting the service delivery. This reflects poorly on theexperience for visitors. This issue is only likely to compound with inevitable increasingtraffic volumes in Bendigo.

These traffic conflicts should be addressed through infrastructure changed that facilitatesafe passage for trams and road users and increase the uninhibited operation of theTramways.

Diversifying the Product

There are currently 23 vintage trams in the fleet plus one custom fit restaurant tram. TheTalking Tram tour is the primary product offer of the Tramways, which has remainedrelatively unchanged over the years. The Talking Tram tour is tailored to each heritagetram but essentially the remaining commentary is the same for all trams. The Tramwaysis therefore not capitalising on extracting value from various market segments andgroups. The lack of diversity in product offer and experiences may be deterringpatronage and repeat visitation.

The current Tramways tourism experience is in need of reinvigorating in terms ofproviding new and innovative experiences which cater to a variety of market segments

and audiences. Potential market segments could include school groups (primary andsecondary), 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; andAn 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 beingutilised. Inaudible or poor sound quality can drastically affect the quality of theexperience for visitors. It is important that equipment is always functioning to a highstandard. There are current problems in this regard.

There is also opportunity to use different forms of media to deliver the product. Thiscould include the utilisation of digital media.

3. Push Notifications on Mobile Devices

The Bendigo Tramways is investigating the feasibility of utilising beacon technology to beincorporated into the tour to promote Bendigo and its attractions and businesses directlyto visitors mobile devices. This would add considerable value to the tour product andadd value to Bendigos tourism and retail businesses. It would also encourage visitors tohop 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 beunderestimated to the overall Tramways experience. The Tramways depot and workshoptour provides an authentic heritage tram depot/workshop experience that iscomplementary to the Tramways tours.

This is where visitors can get a first-hand account of the work which goes into restoringand 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 formoney.

5. Increase the Range of Themed Trams

There is an opportunity to increase the number of themed trams. Currently there are afew themed trams including the Jimmy Possum Tram, the Yarn Bombed tram, the ArtSeries Schaller Studiotram and the Restaurant Tram. Increasing the range of themedtrams would extend the product offer and appeal to different market segments.


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Coincide with Festivals and EventsThemed trams could coincide with major festivalsand events. Festival themes trams may include Bendigo Easter Festival, Chinese NewYear, Blues and Roots Festival, Fashion Festivals, National Sheep and Wool Show, NewMoon Festival and other cultural festivals.

The Trams could be utilised to promote festivals and or event in the weeks leading upand during the festival/event. Theming trams to particular events should be done incollaboration with the organisers of the event to create mutually beneficial partnerships.

Coincide with Major Exhibitions and Shows There is also an opportunity to providethemed trams which coincide with major exhibitions at Bendigo Art Gallery and majorshows at The Capital and Ulumbarra Theatre. These trams would also create awarenessof the exhibition to visitors and contribute to the overall visitor experience. This wouldcontribute to the marketability of the exhibition/show and create a greater marketpresence within Bendigo. This would also enable a greater opportunity for package dealsassociated with major exhibitions and shows.

These trams could operate in much the same was at the Art Trams currently do inMelbourne.

Guided toursThere is opportunity to introduce a guided tour to the Tramways productand it is understood that Bendigo Tramways is considering the possibility of at least onedaily 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 incomparison to the current Talking Tram tour.

Night TramsThere 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 servesdrinks 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 tramswhich appeal to food and wine visitors. This could include Trams which provide a tourwith local craft beer /cider and/or wine and local produce. This Tram would appeal tovisitor markets as well as local Bendigo residents.

The Bendigo Craft Beer and Cider Festival and Oktoberfest in Bendigo are two keyevents in during which a local craft beer themed tram could operate. This would also helpincrease awareness of the event.

Outsourcing the operation to private operators may generate revenue for the Tramwayswhile ensuring the operation of the product is undertaken by hospitality business with theappropriate 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 appealto different users.


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The corporate market could be captured by providing a tour service for business functiondelegates. This type of tour would provide a value add to the function, providingdelegates with the opportunity to socialise and network. The tour would also providecorporate 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 tovalue add by including catering, provision for music, adequate seating, appropriatelighting and decoration.

7. Link to existing Walking Packages

The Tramways tour could link to existing walking tour packages provided at the BendigoVIC. These tours are free, however they provide a value add to visitors who would like toexplore 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 serviceBendigos tourism and commercial precincts. New stops would also increase the valueproposition of the tour.

New stops would generate greater exposure to visitors of tourism attractions andbusinesses along the current tram route. Coupled with an increase in frequency, the hopon hop off nature of the tour would be more viable and flexible. A greater number ofstops is likely to increase visitor dispersal along the tram route and likely to leveragegreater expenditure by visitors at local businesses and attractions. Additional stops onthe 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 pointacross 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 SacredHeart 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 mitigatesagainst 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 neareststop is located on Pall Mall at the juncture of Mitchell and View Street, which is not withina 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 stophere would service the Golden Dragon Museum, provide greater access to areas of theCBD 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 andBridge Street, a new tram stop could provide the opportunity for a signalised pedestriancrossing to the taxi rank. The inclusion of a signalised pedestrian crossing wouldincrease 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 thispoint to access shops during lunch time and after school hours. A tram stop andintegrated pedestrian crossing at this location would therefore be of benefit to theBendigo community as well as Tramways patrons.

A new tram stop at this location would also better service the Conservatory Gardens inRosalind 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. Theintroduction of duplicated track would resolve these issues, particularly relating toconflicts 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 oftram 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 alsofacilitate 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 wouldincrease road safety for all users. Duplicated track would also provide certainty to allroad users about the relationship between trams and vehicles. Currently the provision ofsome 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 poordecision making by road users.

Product Enhancement

The provision of duplicated track would enhance the current tramways product throughthe ability to increase the frequency of service, the ability to extend the track to othertourism destinations and through creating a more reliable, safe and smooth journey forpassengers.


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Future Public Transport Provision

Duplicated track could facilitate a greater shift toward the provision of light rail publictransport in Bendigo in the longer term given much of the track infrastructure will alreadybe in place. It is considered that a reliable, efficient public transport service could notoperate 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 longerjourney would significantly increase the value proposition of the Tramways and open upopportunities for greater product enhancements and packages.

11. Increase the Frequency of Service

Proposed infrastructure works will facilitate an increase in the frequency of the tramservice. Increasing the frequency of service would facilitate a greater utilisation of thehop-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. Thefrequency 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 Tramwaysas a hop-on hop-off service and contribute to the recognition of the Trams as being apart 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 beexplored which may result in the Tramways appealing to a broader market and resultingin increased sales and ridership.

PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATES

Preliminary cost estimates for various concept options to resolve current tram androadway 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 thecurrent 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 highestpriority.

Full track duplication will have significant benefits but the cost of works is high. It isrecommended that full track duplication should be considered in the context of theimplementation 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 publictransport 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 150,000to 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 least15 to 20 years. However the successful continuation of the existing heritage servicepreserves the opportunity to consider the introduction of a Light Rail public transportationservice in the long term future.

ECONOMIC VALUE

It is considered that the Tramways has the potential to increase its visitation by morethan 40,000 visitors annually. Increase in visitation however is reliant on theimplementation of the high priority infrastructure projects (primarily new tram stops andmajor traffic conflict resolutions) to facilitate improvement of the product to meet currentmarket demands.

It is estimated that 35,000 extra visitor nights could be achieved in the region as a resultof extended stay, equating additional direct in region expenditure of $5.2 million perannum 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 offour ongoing jobs directly at the Tramways and an additional 80 or so jobs in Bendigodue to increased visitor expenditure.

Implementation of key priority infrastructure projects, including conflict resolutions andnew 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 CathedralPrecinct New Tram Stop

New Tram stop and traffic conflictresolutions between Wattle Street andShort Street

$1,310,000 High

Golden Dragon / Taxi RankTram Stop (Mundy St TramStop)

New tram stop and signalised pedestriancrossing

$1,530,000 High

Myrtle St / Don St/ Vine St Localised duplication of track to resolvetraffic conflict

$800,000 High

Chapel St / McCrae St Localised duplication of track to resolvetraffic conflict

$790,000 High

Midland Hwypassingloop

Realignment of through lanes to avoidtram tracks and resolve traffic conflict

$640,000 High

Sub Total $5,070,000

Deborah Gold Mine / VioletSt

Signalised movement of trams in the outof Goldmine to avoid traffic conflicts

$230,000 Medium

McCrae St / Tramways Ave Signalised movement of trams in and outof Depot to avoid traffic conflicts

$860,000 Medium


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Midland Hwy / Nolan St Traffic lane and tram track separation toavoid conflicts

$220,000 Medium

Nolan St / Bridge St Signalised tram movement and passingloop clear of traffic

$560,000 Medium

Joss House / Finn St Signalised tram movement from JossHouse terminus

$470,000 Medium

Bridge St / Weeroona Ave Warning system for tram crossing $370,000 Medium

Sub Total $2,710,000

Track Duplication (Option1)

Cost for track duplication from MyrtleStreet and Mundy Street to Chapel Streetretaining existing track. Cost is additionalto other works.

$2,900,000 Medium

Track Duplication (Option

2)

Full track duplication relacing existing

track from Myrtle Street to Mitchell Streetand Mundy Street to Chapel Street

$7,800,000 Medium

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH

The necessary infrastructure improvements and the product enhancement strategies arefundamentally linked. The Tramways as a tourism product cannot move forward withoutbuilding the infrastructure to enable the implementation of strategies that will ensure thelong 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 demandfor high quality, innovative, authentic tourism experiences, otherwise they run the risk offalling to the wayside. It is essential that the Tramways implement key infrastructureinitiatives in order for this to happen.

The long term sustainability of the Tramways is not only important to itself but it is alsofundamentally 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 andcultural 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 regionalcities 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 willensure 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 productenhancement strategies that make it a world class tourism experience, driving increasedpatronage both from visitors and from local residents.


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IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

The table below provides an indicative implementation plan for strategies andinfrastructure projects for the Tramways. The plan includes a summary of the strategy,actions to be taken to implement the strategy / infrastructure project, a delivery timeframeand priority funding support from the Victorian and/or Australian Governments will beimportant in this regard.

INDICATIVE STRATEGIES

Strategy Summary Action Timeframe Priority1. The Tramways Iconic

Status

Utilise heritage trams aspoint of difference forBendigo and enhanceiconic status

Only use heritage tramsfor the heritage tourism

Immediate High

2. The W Class Trams Utilise W-Class tramsfor alternative uses tocore product offer e.g.special event trams,advertising space,charters

Explore feasiblealternatives for use of W-Class trams. Seekexpressions of interestfrom potential operators.

0-1 year High

3. A diversified product Diversify product offerto appeal to differentmarket segments

Explore product changesthat appeal to differentmarkets e.g. schoolgroups, families, tramenthusiasts, internationalvisitors

0-3 years High

4. Value for money Increase the valueproposition of theTramways experience;

as set out below.

Explore options toimprove the product offerto increase the value

proposition includingvarious productenhancement strategies

0-3 years High

(a) Increase the

frequency of

service

Increase the frequencyof service to a 20minute service topromote a hop-on hop-off service. Additionaltram stops and trafficconflict resolutions arecritical to an increase inservice frequency.

Investigate increase inservice frequency,particularly to coincidewith implementation ofinfrastructurerecommendations.

0-3 years High

(b) Extension of the

existingtramways

narrative

Development of

different narratives toappeal to variousmarket segments.

Explore opportunities for

the development of newnarratives which appealto different markets

0-1 year High

(c) Update materials

and equipment

Ensure materials andequipment isfunctioning to a highstandard. Explorealternative modes ofnarrative delivery.

Perform regular reviewsof materials andequipment. Investigatealternatives to narrativedelivery (the Tramways iscurrently trialling a mobileapplication)

0-2 years High

(d) Utilise push

notifications onmobile devices

Utilise beacontechnology for pushnotifications on mobiledevices.

Investigate feasibility ofusing Beacon technologyto deliver localisedinformation to visitors.

0-2 years High


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(e) Increase the

range of themed

trams

Align with festivals andevents; align withexhibition and shows,guided tour, night tram(ghost tram), food andwine.

Liaise with BendigoTourism, Bendigo ArtGallery, The Capital,event organisers, and theCity of Greater Bendigoon including new themedtrams which align with

events, shows, festivalsand exhibitions.

0-3 years High

(f) Increase the

range of special

event trams

Increase the range ofspecial event trams toappeal to differentusers.

Explore options tooutsource W-Class tramsto external operators forspecial event trams e.g.Rosalind Park walkingtour.

0-3 years High

(g) Link to existing

walking

packages offered

from the VIC

Link Tramways productwith walking tours fromVIC

Liaise with BendigoTourism, VIC staff andany walking touroperators on options tolink tram stops withwalking tours e.g.Rosalind Park walkingtour.

0-3 years Medium

5. Extend the Tram

Route

Investigate options toextend the tram route tobetter service Bendigostourist attraction andincrease the valueproposition of theproduct

Explore options for tramroute extensions.Investigate potential ofRosalind Park tram routeextension to leverage offimplementation ofRosalind Park MasterPlan

10-20 years Low

INDICATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Infrastructure improvements Delivery /Timeframe

Priority

1. Establish a new stop ay the Sacred Heart Cathedral / Aspire Precinct 0-2 years High

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

5. Other infrastructure Improvement Projects

a. Deborah Gold Mine / Violet St -signalised movement for trams

b. McCrae St / Tramways Avesignalised movement for trams

c. Midland Hwy / Nolan Sttraffic / tram separation

d. Nolan St / Bridge StSignalised tram movement / passing loop separa

e. Joss House / Finn StSignalised tram movement

f. Bridge St / Weeroona Avetram approach warning system

3-5 years Medium

6. Full track duplication 10-20 years Medium


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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 Enterprisefor

the Bendigo Trust and finalised in May 2015. The Study Steering Committee comprised:

Ian HartCEO Bendigo TrustJos DuivenvoordenBendigo Tramways ManagerMal Kersting - VicRoadsStan LiacosCoGBKatherine WrzesinskiCoGB (in association with colleague Phil DeAraugo)Gillian SawyerRegional Development Victoria

In early 2015, public comment was sought by the Bendigo Trust in response to a draftpaper released and approximately 30 comments were received and generally accountedfor 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 contributionto the Trust.)


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The preparation of the plan provides an opportunity for the Bendigo Trust, in associationwith the City, to seek collaborative funding support over the next few years for priorityinfrastructure investments from the Australian and/or Victorian Governments andphilanthropic contributors where possible with the opportunity for Council to prudentlyand efficiently provide supportive matching funding by leveraging its existing annual on-going financial contributions and infrastructure support to the Bendigo Trust.

Conclusion

The Bendigo Tramways are an iconic feature on the Central Bendigo landscape and ofBendigos tourism appeal.

The financial sustainability and tourism appeal of the tramways is however showingsome recent signs of decline.

The recently prepared Bendigo Tramways Study and Strategic Plan provides a well-

considered basis upon which to hopefully refresh and reignite the tramways place inBendigo 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 uponwhich to hopefully leverage Victorian and/or Australian Government and communitysupport 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 itin an effort to attract Victorian and/or Australian Government funding and communitysupport to implement priority components of the plan over forthcoming years.

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