Cartela update

15th July 2024

Steam Ship Cartela Trust would like to thank the community for their keen interest in Tasmania’s last surviving River Steamer, the Cartela.

The Restoration Project’s aim is to return Cartela to her rightful pride of place in Sullivans Cove as a working vessel carrying paying passengers once again.

The Trust is confident that a restored Cartela will become a major attraction for Tasmania telling part of the story of our rich maritime history.

The Trust has been focused on finding a suitable location to haul Cartela out of the water in order to undertake the restoration work required to ensure Cartela’s long term future.

Slipways suitable for working on large wooden vessels are scarce and even more so when the project will require a long term, as this one will.

The Trust has been working with the Department of State Growth, engineers and planners on a proposed site. We have been advised only last week that a geotechnical assessment is now required.

There are restrictions on any work that can be carried out at Cartela’s present location in Franklin as she is berthed in a Marine Conservation Area.

However a Marine surveyor and three shipwrights have inspected Cartela and have advised that her hull appears to be in sound condition.

The extent of work required will be detailed once the vessel is safely out of the water in a suitable facility.

Whilst it has not been possible to achieve real restoration work on Cartela, apart from ensuring she is as safe as possible, the Trust continues to work hard on funding applications, regulatory hurdles and other plans related to the proposed site and to Cartela’s restoration.  The Cartela project is ready to begin once a site is confirmed and approvals are granted. The project will then require significant support for completion.

The Trust appreciates the support of Premier Rockliff, the Department of State Growth, numerous State and Federal politicians, and many business and community members.

Steam Ship Cartela Trust has been granted full Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status by the Australian Taxation Office and the Trust looks forward to working cooperatively with the people of Tasmania to bring this Project to fruition.

Again, thanks for your interest in Cartela.

George Rance.

Chairman Steam Ship Cartela Trust.

15th July 2024