Victor Harbor may privatise historic horse-drawn tram in response to high maintenance cost
VICTOR Harbor Council is considering handing over the reins of its iconic horse-drawn tram, as ratepayers fork out nearly $500,000 to keep it afloat.
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VICTOR HARBOR Council is considering handing over the reins of its iconic horse-drawn tram, as ratepayers fork out nearly $500,000 to keep it afloat.
The cost to run the tram to Granite Island is rising because of maintenance on the historic causeway and transporting its 10 Clydesdale horses by float.
Mayor Graham Philp said the tram was a major drawcard of the town and the council wanted its long history to continue, so privatisation was being considered.
“The Horse Tram is not only an icon of Victor Harbor, and more broadly South Australia, it also enjoys international recognition,” Mr Philp said.
“We know we need to safeguard its future, and looking further into potential options for the delivery of this iconic service will help us to do this.”
The council estimates the tram will cost $493,900 to operate in 2016/17 and a “confidential” review found money could be saved by outsourcing the service.
The review also recommended six Clydesdale horses would be sufficient to operate the tram.
The council’s horse tram committee will this month consider the feedback and seek expressions of interest from private operators.
The council was also investigating consolidating the SA Whale Centre and Visitor Information Centre, due to a rise in costs.
The council expects the business operations to cost a combined $744,300 to run in 2016/17.
“We’re taking due diligence at looking at the best way forward for all our tourist attractions and we’re mindful our community and the state don’t want to lose them,” Mr Philp said.
He said a decision would not be made until the council knew whether a tuna pen off Granite Island would be built by Oceanic Victor.
“We think the pen might assist the whale centre operations that’s why we’re going to put things on hold under we know the outcome,” Mr Philp said.
The business was granted development approval to offer activities involving swimming and feeding tuna, but the decision is being appealed in the Environment, Resources and Development Court.
A decision was expected in September.