History 199614 June 1996.
Portland Observer Headline. NEW GROUP VOWS TO PUT TRAMS ON TRACK. Extract follows...
A new committee has been formed to establish an operational cable tram system in Portland. The committee was formed by a group of people invited by the Glenelg Shire Council to visit the operators of the Bendigo Tourist Trams last week.
Following the visit, the group agreed that an operational cable tram system would be a major tourist drawcard for Portland. Chairman of the new Portland Cable Trams Inc. Des Hein said the idea of an operational cable tram system should not be delayed any longer.
Portland Cable Trams Inc. is to have tracks in the ground and facilities developed as quickly as possible. Much depends on the group raising substantial financial support from both private and government sources.
Construction of a new grip car has started with volunteer labor and the group has access to a saloon car tram for the initial rolling stock. Mr. Hein said Portland Cable Trams Inc. regarded as unfortunate the Portland Vintage Car Club's decision to do nothing with its three cable trams until after proposed museum extensions have been completed. However, the group's rolling stock arrangements will overcome the unavailability of the Portland Vintage Car Club's rolling stock. On the other hand, Mr. Hein said if the Portland Vintage
Car Club was to see its way clear to include their rolling stock in the new venture, it would be most welcolme. The new group feared that if the project was not proceeded with immediately, any chance Portland has of having cable trams on track would be lost forever.
17 June 1996.
Portland Observer Headline. TRAMS ON TRACK FOR SUMMER. Extract follows...
Portland's new cable tram group has become a fully incorporated organisation with the signing of the Articles of Incorporation last week. The proposed route for stage one of the track project runs from a loop at the water tower lookout south down Bentinck St, down through the former railway cutting onto the foreshore area. The group is now actively looking for financial support and sponsorship from a variety of sources, including Government, private sector and public donations. We want to provide a tramway service (which will link into) the proposed maritime museum and visitor information centre. Portland Cable Trams Inc. office bearers are Des Hein (chairman), Ian Moody (vice chairman), Philip Ruge (secretary/public officer), Margaret Punton (treasurer) and Keith McMillan (projects manager).
Committee members are Ken Douglass, Syd Cuffe, Daryl Churchill, Paul O'Bree, John Punton, Noel Waugh, Peter Malcolm, David Punton, and Glenelg Shire Council representative Cr Mel Bartlett.
21 June 1996.
Portland Observer Headline. NEW TENSION WITH CLUB THREE SUSPENDED. Extract follows...
Bitterness over Portland Vintage Car Club, other parties and conflicting cable car-related strategies has led to club suspension of three members. One of the three members, David Punton, was present at the club meeting as an apparent majority of members voted action against him, Ken Douglass and Keith McMillan. The trio is involved with the new Portland Cable Trams Inc, the centre of recent publicity about members' Bendigo visit and the group's aim to establish a cable tram system in Portland. Mr. Punton claimed tourism leader Peter Malcolm was at the meeting to address it. However, Mr. Malcolm's address did not proceed. It had been learnt Mr. Malcolm was a member of Portland Cable Trams Inc, and he was asked to leave.
02 August 1996.
Portland Observer Headline. TRAMWAY EXPERT: GO FOR IT, PORTLAND! Extract follows...
Portland has a 'unique opportunity' for a tramway because it can link up many physical and scenic features, according to a tramways expert. Bill Kingsley, of Melbourne, was speaking as he walked a section of Portland's botanic gardens which are part of a proposed route for tramway tourism.
Mr. Kingsley is a retired transport engineer, his speciality being tramway operations. He was also head of a Footscray college's department of civil engineering. After retirement, he renewed his involvement with tram projects, including those of Christchurch and Bendigo, as an engineer or driver.
Keith Kings, of Melbourne, also retired, was another visitor in Portland at the invitation of Portland Cable Trams Inc. Mr. Kings has had trams as a hobby during a half-century, drives trams for the Bendigo system, and is involved with a trams museum near Kilmore.
History 1997
29 January 1997.
Portland Observer Headline. TRAMWAY SUPPORTERS DONATE THEIR SWEAT. Extract follows...
Supporters of Portland Cable Tram tourism have taken rails, sleepers and other materials from a west Portland railway into storage. With support of Australia Meat Holdings, the members of the Portland Cable Trams Inc. rolling stock subcommittee spent much of the Australia Day weekend using machinery and sweat to take possession of potential materials for the cable tourism project. Volunteers also rolled up their sleeves to help out the subcommittee. Cable Trams leader Des Hein said the large turn-up indicated Portland's keen-ness to get the project underway.
12 February 1997.
Portland Observer Headline. PERMIT MOVE FOR TRAMWAY Extract follows...
The introduction of track for Portland's cable tram tourism is just weeks away if planning approvals go smootly. Portland Cable Trams leader Des Hein said his group hoped to lodge its planning permit application with the Glenelg Shire this week. Track value was estimated at $1.1 million, he said. With a permit granted, Mr Hein said an April start for group members and volunteers to lay one third of the proposed 4.5 kilometres was 'a possibility'. Such a start would also increase Portland chances of support from funders as other Victorian cities move to introduce or increase tramway tourism. We need a planning permit but not a building permit. Most of the work on the track would be voluntary.
14 March 1997.
Portland Observer Headline. TRACK LAID TO TEST GRIP CAR Extract follows...
Portland Cable Trams Inc. has laid a 400 metre section of test track to trial its new grip car. The section of track was laid on private land in North Portland by railway gangers and Portland Cable Trams members. The track has been only temporarily set up to test the tram and the track itself before the work starts on the tourist route proper. The western end of the track climbs a slight hill to allow the organisation to find out how the cable tram copes with uphill gradients.
It will also be used to give eligible people training on how to operate the motorised cable tram, under supervision of the superintendent of Bendigo Tramways, Denis Bell.
02 May 1997.
Portland Observer Headline. PUBLIC NOTICES - Notice of Application for Planning Permit Extract follows...
The land affected by the application is located along Bentinck Street, Foreshore Reserve, Henty Park and Fawthrop Lagoon. The application is for a permit to use and develop the land for a cable tram route and depot. The applicant for the permit is Portland Cable Trams Inc.
07 May 1997.
Portland Observer Headline. TRAMWAY ROUTE - THE DETAILS Extract follows...
A $1,533,000 million cable tramway is about to become the Glenelg Shire's next planning permit struggle. Groups with interest or activities close to the route are studying the proposed track's implications. Portland Cable Trams Inc. faces a challenge to convince groups the route is justified. PCT leader Des Hein invited anyone with problems about the route to discuss them with him or other committee members. We've already talked to the go-cart people, and are prepared to take aboard any queries or problems that people have to get this project, important for Portland's future, up and running. Mr Hein stressed the track would be laid into the ground, unlike railway track.
14 May 1997.
Portland Observer Headline. PUBLIC MISSED TRAM MEETING Extract follows..
The 19 Portland Cable Trams Inc. committee members were left twiddling their thumbs last Wednesday night at a meeting for the public to voice concerns about the proposed route. PCT leader Des Hein said the committee was happy to announce that no one from the public accepted the invitation to come along and voice concerns. We know its not over yet but it was good no-one from the public came to the meeting.
23 May 1997
Portland Observer Headline. PROJECT HAS ROUTE OBSTACLES Extract follows..
Initial objections confirm Portland Cable Trams has a fight on its hands to win approval for its tramway route. The Glenelg Shire had received 'about eight' objections, with hours still remaining before a deadline for public comment on the planning permit application.
Town Planner Peter McKinnon said the council would continue to accept any late submission because the intial comment period had attracted an objection, and any more would not stall the process. He said initial objections were on the grounds including the track's nature, the tram's impact on the activities of user groups and individuals, loss of open space, and safety.
30 May 1997
Portland Observer Notice. FOR SALE - TRAM STOP SHELTER Extract follows..
Expressions of interest are being called for the sale and removal of a tram stop shelter - due to a lack of storage. Make ideal gazebo, size 4m x 2m x 4m. Details phone 5523 3489 or 5523 2774.
Expressions of interest should be lodged with: Secretary, Portland Vintage Car Club Inc., P.O. Box 667, Portland, by June 6.
04 June 1997
Portland Observer Headline. TRAM STOP SHELTER UP FOR SALE Extract follows..
Portland's Vintage Car Club has sparked an uproar with its plans to sell off its tram stop shelter. The tram stop shelter was built by young unemployed people under the federally-funded LEAP program, with State Government funding for materials and support by numerous Portland businesses.
The tram stop shelter was created as part of the PVCC's Heritage On Wheels project before the operational cable tram route concept stalled and was taken up by Portland Cable Trams Inc. An advertisement was placed in last Friday's Observer, calling for expressions of interest in buying and removing the tram stop because of the lack of storage space. The idea of selling the shelter has raised the ire of many because it was to become part of a larger community asset - Portland cable tram tourist project.
Portland Vintage Car Club President Richard Oakley was not unsympathetic to the concerns raised. "I can understand it," he said. "If people can help with the storage of the shelter until such time as tram tourism is up and running in Portland, we'd love to hear from them."
11 June 1997
Portland Observer Headline. SHELTER SALE MAY COST THOU$AND$ Extract follows..
The Portland Vintage Car Club's proposal to sell the tram-stop shelter could see them facing a bill running into thousands of dollars. A contractor involved with the construction, Greg Phillips of Phillips Steel Protection, said Portland contractors had donated around $14,000 of material and time to the community project. "Everone I have spoken to who was involved in the project has expressed dismay over the proposed sale and that the cable tram project is being held up by a group of individuals for their advantage," he said.
"The worst thing about it is that the PVCC isn't worried about the trams. They are hoping someone (mainly the Government) will give them money to store the tram cars - using them as a bartering tool." We are concerned that we have donated thousands of dollars to the project that would be an asset to the City of Portland, but one group is holding the project up ..." Mr Phillips agreed with the statement that the PVCC was basically holding the tram-stop to ransom, "and nobody really knew about it ..."
27 June 1997
Portland Observer Headline. TRAM PROMOTERS WIN MORE TIME Extract follows..
Tramway tourism promoters have stalled a decision which may have cut Portland's foreshore and Ploughed Field from their preferred route. Portland Cable Trams has gained extra time to press its cause after the Glenelg Shire agreed to put-off consideration of its planning permit application. The group contended councillors were about to base decision on a flawed town-planning report.
18 July 1997
Portland Observer Headline. MODIFICATIONS TO TRAM TRACK Extract follows..
Portland Cable Trams Inc aims to smooth the path through the minefield of objections and planning obstacles by making minor alterations to its scenic tram route proposal. The organisation now proposes to run the track south from the Powerhouse Museum, east along Hood St, across Bentinck St, into Henty Park, skirting around the northern perimeter of the Colts Cricket Club oval, into Glenelg St, crossing Cliff St to head down into Lee Breakwater Rd.
13 August 1997
Portland Observer Headline. TRAMS MOVE: MORE DELAY Extract follows..
Portland's cable tram project still awaits a planning-permit decision partly because native-title claimants are considering their view of it. Miribiak Nations Aboriginal Corporation acting for the Gunditjmara people, has claimed south-west Victorian public land and waterways, including the foreshore.
27 August 1997
Portland Observer Headline. EXTRA TRAM TRACK OFFER Extract follows..
Portland Cable Trams Inc has been offered more track for its tourist tram route by the Public Transport Corporation. PCT representatives travelled to Ararat yesterday to inspect 75 tonnes of steel rail which has been made available to the group by the PTC.
PCT chairman Des Hein said the rail would create about 1.25 kilometres of the proposed route. If the PCT takes the steel, it will add to the stockpile of rail the organisation has already accumulated for the project.
03 September 1997
Portland Observer Headline. TRAM ROUTE GREEN LIGHT Extract follows..
The Glenelg Shire Council has finally given the green light to Portland's long awaited tourist cable tram route. The council last week voted to issue a Town Planning Permit for the project. A host of conditions accompanied the councils approval - including a warning that much of the area for the proposed route is subject to a Nartive Title Claim on Crown Land.
03 September 1997
Portland Observer Headline. APPEAL HERALDED FOR CABLE TRAMS ROUTE Extract follows..
A community group is appealing to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal against the planning permit intended for Portland cable tram tourism. The Portland Historic Buildings Restoration Committee says it is not opposed to such tourism.
However, it is concerned the route should not compromise heritage integrity or affect the area's amenity. "We have doubts about a number of the proposal's aspects," group secretary Lex Chalmers said.
27 September 1997
Portland Observer Headline. CABLE TRAMS ARE STALLED AGAIN Extract follows..
The brakes have once again been applied to Portland's long awaited tourist cable tram project. The latest obstacle in the project's path is a formal objection to a recent decision by the Glenelg Shire Council to grant Portland Cable Trams Inc a permit to finally get the ball rolling.
The objection was lodged with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal by Portland's Historic Buildings Restoration Committee on six grounds. The grounds of objection include: 1. There is insufficient detail provided in the permit. 2. Parts of the proposal are within the area of special significance in the Portland Planning Scheme and may compromise the area of special significance; 3. The proposals could be subject to the Victorian Coastal Council's recommendations which are yet to be finalised. 4. The proposal conflicts with some of the provisions of the foreshore master plan; 5. The proposal is subject to potential traffic and pedestrian conflicts, and; 6. The proposal could compromise public open space. At the time of going to press, there was no time set down for the AAT hearing.
22 October 1997
Portland Observer Headline. EARLY HEARING ON TRAM ROUTE Extract follows..
Campaigners for Portland cable-tram tourism have won an early hearing of an appeal to block a planning permit for their route. The Administrative Appeals Tribunal's hearing of the Portland Historic Buildings Restoration Committee appeal will be at Warrnambool on November 7.
05 November 1997
Portland Observer Headline. TRAMS GROUP: WE CAN STAND ALONE Extract follows..
Portland Cable Trams has enough resources to go solo in tram tourism if necessary, according to group leader Des Hein. "We'd much prefer to have the strong support of other groups, including the Portland Vintage Car Club," he said.
However if that's not to be, our focus is on ensuring we have all that is necessary - including existing and promised tram vehicles - to enable us to go ahead. We'd hope the vintage car club is still positive about allowing its saloon car and grip car to be part of the public tourism project."
"The more resources the better. But I can assure everyone - as we will assure the Administrative Appeals Tribunal - that PCT has sufficient resources already to establish a successful project.
The Observer asked PVCC leader Richard Oakley to comment on unofficial reports the club's last meeting had rescinded an offer made last year to make a saloon car and grip car available for tourism. "No comment," he said.
"It's not going to help if the news media is endevouring to relay every decision made, whether it be by this particular group or any other group, that has on-going effects."
17 November 1997
Portland Observer Headline. UMPIRE OKAYS TRAM'S ROUTE Extract follows..
Tourist trams can follow a track through and near Portland's foreshore and parks with Administrative Appeals Tribunal blessing. The tribunal has disallowed the Portland - based Historic Buildings Restoration Committee's appeal against the intended 4.5 kilometre route.
Portland Cable Trams leader Des Hein greeted panel member Ian Marsden's earlier than expected decision. "It's a big plus for volunteer groups for getting on with the job," he said. "We'll now go to the council to support our application for funding to the Victorian Community Support fund."
01 December 1997
Portland Observer Headline. BOOST FOR TRAMS Extract follows..
Following its clearance by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the granting of a works permit by the Glenelg Shire Council, Portland Cable Trams' fortunes have received yet another boost. The group's latest shot in the arm is a $22,000 donation from western district graziers, business entrepreneurs and philanthropists, Geoff and Helen Hanbury. PCT president Des Hein was ecstatic about the Hanbury's donation, daying that the funding would come extremely close to clearing PCT of its financial obligations.
26 December 1997
Portland Observer Headline. TRAM'S MAIDEN VOYAGE Extract follows..
It works! Portland's new grip car had its first run on rails last weekend. Members, friends and supporters of Portland Cable Trams Inc. gathered at the group's workshop in Heath Rd to see the brand-new grip car run under its own power.
With recent positive developments on the tram project front and proof that the grip car meets - indeed, exceeds - operational expectations, 1998 is expected to be a big year for Portland Cable Trams Inc.
History 199802 January 1998.
Portland Observer Headline. CABLE TRAM GAINS KENNETT SUPPORT Extract follows...
Portland's tourist cable tram project has captured the imagination of none other than Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett. Mel Bartlett a member of Portland Cable Trams Inc. and of the Heywood branch of the Liberal Party, sent a Christmas card to the Premier on behalf of himself and his wife, Judy.
Mr Bartlett included a letter with the card outlining the cable tram project and PCT's desire to have the tram operational on rails this year. Judging by a brief letter dated Christmas Eve, Mr Kennett has taken quite a shine to the proposal.
"It is a fantastic project which does have the Government's support," Mr Kennett wrote. "It will be good to see it completed." Mr Bartlett said Premier Kennett, Member for Portland Denis Napthine and Tourism Minister Louise Asher all sat on the Community Support Fund committee - all of whom have been supportive of the cable tram project. Tourism Minister Louise Asher is expected to visit Portland later this month, and the cable tram project is once again expected to be brought to the Minister's attention.
13 February 1998
Portland Observer Headline. GROUP EYES HENTY PARK FOR TRAMWAY DEPOT Extract follows...
Portland Cable Trams now wants to establish its planned tramway depot at Henty Park. It is seeking the approval of the park's owner, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, for which the Glenelg Shire acts as committee of management.
PCT has lost interest in a depot on or near gasworks land, off Glenelg St, where land contamination and costs were issues. The depot was not included in the tram track route which gained a permit through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
03 April 1998
Portland Observer Headline. MINISTERS TAKEN FOR RIDE Extract follows...
A group of State Government Ministers were well and truly taken for a ride during a visit to Portland this week. One of the first stops for the party, which included Deputy Premier Pat McNamara; Industry Science and Technology Minister Mark Birrell; Police and Emergency Services Minister Bill McGrath; Transport Minister Robin Cooper; Tertiary Education Minister Phil Honeywood; Attorney General Jan Wade; Liberal Party Member for Western Province Bruce Chamberlain; Youth and Community Services Minister Dr Denis Napthine and Finance and Gaming Minister Roger Hallam, was the workshop of Portland Cable Trams Inc.
10 June 1998
Portland Observer Headline. TRAM GROUP'S PUBLIC APPEAL Extract follows...
Portland Cable Trams Inc has launched a public appeal to raise money for rolling stock. The group has already completed construction of its motorised grip car and now aims to buy and restore a saloon car which will be towed behind the grip car for extra passenger capacity.
PCT spokesmen Des Hein and Philip Ruge said the group hoped to raise $60,000 through the public appeal for the purchase and restoration of rolling stock. The appeal got off to a flying start this week with the donation of $500 from drilling contractor Mel Bartlett, plus a further $500 from an anonymous donor. Mr Ruge stressed that the money raised from the public appeal would be for the purchase and restoration of rolling stock only - not for the construction of the track or buildings associated with the tourist tram project.
Rolling stock consists purely of grip and saloon cars. "Once completed, the Portland community will own these assets," Mr Hein said. We are aiming to buy a saloon within the next four weeks and have it fully restored by the end of November," Mr Hein said.
The restoration will be done by volunteer tradesmen under the leadership of Keith McMillan, who has already completed a number of similar projects for Portland. Keith is probably the most skilled person in cable tram restoration in Australia. "He has completed four to date."
03 July 1998
Portland Observer Headline. TRAMS SEEK SPECIAL FUND'S NOD Extract follows...
The Premier Jeff Kennett and State Cabinet have nominated Portland tram tourism for federation commemoration funding. Portland Cable Trams is seeking $1.2 million to construct the tramway, now estimated at 3.5km.
PCT secretary Phil Ruge said: "We, ourselves, did not apply for the access to federal government funds. In fact, groups could not apply for it. You had to be nominated by either your local federal member or the State Government. We are confident about the outcome."
06 July 1998
Portland Observer Headline. THE STATE PREMIER'S APPROVAL SIGN-OFF Extract follows...
This expression of support (this and following pages) is why Portland Cable Trams' leaders are extra confident of gaining a government grant to the city's tram tourism project. TO: The Federation Cultural and Heritage Projects Program.
This project is submitted by the Honorable Jeff Kennett, Premier of Victoria. The Project Title: Historic tourist cable tram project, Portland. As one of the furthermost regional centres of Victoria, and located on one of Victoria's foremost tourist attractions, the Great Ocean Road, the cable car project has wide community support and involvement, with considerable potential for increasing tourism to the region. I believe the project will revitalise the Portland region, offer employment opportunities for youth in the region, and do so in a sustainable and long term context. Signed Jeff Kennett, Premier, June 22.
15 July 1998
Portland Observer Headline. TRAM LINE THEFT DISAPPOINTING Extract follows...
CIB detectives are investigating the theft of railway line earmarked for Portland's tourist cable tram project. In what has been described by police as a "pretty well organised" theft, more than 11 tonnes of heavy railway line was stolen from a rail reserve owned by the Public Transport Corporation in the North Portland area. The line had been bought by Portland Cable Trams Inc for use on its cable tram route. The stolen steel sections varied in length from 3.6 metres to 18 metres.
20 July 1998
Portland Observer Headline. PROJECT BACK ON TRACK Extract follows...
After suffering a minor setback when thieves made off with 11 tonnes of railway line recently, Portland Cable Trams was back on track with more track last week. Seven semi-trailer loads (about 140 tonnes) of rail arrived for the group's cable tram project from the Public Transport Corporation's Ararat yards. However, this consignment does not replace the rail which was stolen recently. The group is still looking for more rail to have enough to complete the project.
07 October 1998
Portland Observer Headline. CABLE TRAMS DELAY COULD PROVE COSTLY Extract follows...
Portland Cable Trams Inc is anxious awaiting word on a funding application from the Federal Government. If the group does not receive approval for its Federation Funding grant soon, the city's tourist cable tram route risks not being completed in time for a visit by one of the nation's pre-eminent tram and locomotive organisations. PCT chairman Des Hein said more than 200 members of the Australian Electric Traction Association were expected to visit Portland as part of their national convention next Easter.
21 October 1998
Portland Observer Headline. FAILED BID PUTS BRAKE ON TRAMS Extract follows...
Two major projects in south-west Victoria have missed out on Federation Funding from the Federal Government. Portland Cable Trams and Hamilton's Centre for Australian Achievers have both had their funding applications rejected. In Portland's case, the rejection of the Federation Funding is a blow, but PCT still has irons in the fire with Community Support Funding from the State Government. PCT chairman Des Hein said his organisation had been verbally advised last week ... funding had been turned down.
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