THE Golden City Paddle Steamer could be back on Lake Wendouree next month.
But Ballarat City Council will still vote tonight on giving the Golden City Paddle Steamer Museum Society (GCPSMS) an extension until May 1 next year.
The new boat, being restored after the original was destroyed by fire six years ago, was expected on the lake from December 31 last year after the council granted five-year contracts to both the GCPSMS and private operator Anthony Kierce in April last year.
Mr Kierce bought the controversial Begonia Princess and has been operating on the lake since May.
The society was given a further extension, but president Bob Wuestewald said the death of a couple of members in the past year had caused further delays.
“We’re hoping it will all be ready by next month,” Mr Wuestewald said.
“We’ll hopefully have it on the lake for trials in the next week or so.
“We’re nearly there. It’s starting to look really good. It’s going to be a picture back on the lake.”
In a report to the council, growth and development director Eric Braslis said the society would probably still need the help of another service club to provide a financial and volunteer base.
“The Golden City Paddle Steamer Museum Society has, in good faith, invested considerable funds and time in preparing their vessel and the appropriate business plans and procedures for the prepared service,” Mr Braslis said.
“Given the assurances presented at the Lake Wendouree and Gardens Advisory Committee, the (society) is making good progress with meeting council’s licence requirements.”
fiona.henderson@thecourier.com.au