The Tasmanian Transport Museum is asking for state government funding to upgrade its facilities after a surge in visitor numbers following the extension of its train services to Berridale.
Museum president Jeff Bronstein said the expanded rail operations had been an “overwhelming success” with record passenger numbers, but the facility was now struggling to cope.
“The Museum is bursting at the seams and is in urgent need of infrastructure improvements to cope with current demand, improve accessibility and as a bedrock for future expansion,” he said.
The $124,000 funding request, submitted for the upcoming state budget, would pay for safety upgrades to public access areas, rebuilding a century-old railway turntable and constructing a new shed to protect heritage railway exhibits.
Bronstein said all work would be done by Tasmanian contractors offering discounted rates to support the museum.
The Glenorchy-based museum has secured backing from local MPs Marcus Vermey, Bec Thomas and Josh Willie, but needs support from the state government.
“None of the projects are feasible without government support,” Bronstein said.
The museum is Tasmania’s only organisation dedicated to preserving the state’s transport history and houses trolley buses, trams and a rare horse-drawn transport exhibit.
Visitor numbers are projected to exceed 7000 this financial year, with plans to extend rail services to Claremont and eventually Granton.
Bronstein acknowledged competing budget demands but said the funding would be “transformational” for the charity, which relies on donations and admission fees.
“The museum’s highly dedicated volunteer workforce keeps the doors open and will happily spend hundreds of extra hours to complete the projects if funded,” he said.
The not-for-profit museum was formed in 1962 and opened to the public in December 1983.
A government spokesperson told Pulse that the request will be considered.
“The Tasmanian Transport Museum is a much-loved part of Tasmania, offering visitors the chance to see up close a bit of our own history,” they said.
“Funding requests will be considered as part of the 2026-27 budget process”.
