BALLARAT Chamber of Commerce has thrown its weight behind a plan to introduce trams back to the city.
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Chamber president Tim Roberts said he supported a new feasibility study into establishing a tourist tram route linking Ballarat's major tourist attractions.
Ballarat MHR Michael Ronaldson announced this week that the Federal Government had funded a $73,000 study into the feasibility of the tourist tram project.
Central Highlands Area Consultative Committee chairman Eugene Kneebone said the route could link Sovereign Hill/Eureka St with the central business district, railway station and Lake Wendouree/Botanical Gardens precinct.
But he said the route may not be entirely serviced by trams, with other types of vehicles being considered.
Mayor David Vendy has also expressed support for the proposal.
While a return to the old tram system in Ballarat would not be financially viable, Cr Vendy said a transport link between tourist attractions was a great idea.
``It would be fantastic,'' he said.
Cr Vendy said the move would be a step towards a much-needed integrated transport system for Ballarat.
Mr Roberts said the feasibility study was a positive move for city traders.
``I think it's terrific,'' he said yesterday.
``I think businesses should be positive about it if at the end of the day it's going to expose tourists to a wider market in Ballarat,'' he said.
Mr Roberts said a tourist route would hopefully bring tourists who would normally just go to Sovereign Hill into the city centre.
``We want to be able to maximise the dollar spend of all tourists across businesses in Ballarat.''