I write as Deputy Chair of COTMA and in the hope of giving some perspective on this matter.

Firstly, let me confirm that the 'Tramcar W2 568' group which owns the two W2s and the H car are members of COTMA (like the vast majority of Australasian Museums with trams) and, as such, are entitled to whatever support COTMA can provide.
See: https://www.cotma.org.au/museums.html

Secondly, it is my understanding that the group did request support from COTMA at the time of the termination of the arrangement for their usage of space in North Fitzroy Depot and were given what support was possible. Tramcar W2 568 also pursued their own lobbying process in regard to their needs, but, as others have noted none of these efforts provided an easy solution. TMSV also had trams in that depot at one stage, but removed them well before the period in question. The 'lease' arrangement was long standing and well before the contracting out to private operators. It was just one example of the generous support to heritage operations across Australasia provided by the MMTB and its government successors. That support has been very much reduced in the era of privatised delivery of tram services.

Thirdly, I wish to emphasise that COTMA is an association of it's members (tramway museums of Australasia).
You can read a summary of our purpose at: https://www.cotma.org.au/aboutus.html
We have quite limited resources; our strength (such as it is) comes from working together.
We are certainly not in a position to replace the largesse of the former MMTB, but we do help one another and actively share resources, especially parts and knowledge.

COTMA (and I) remain open to any request for support from any member group - but we are limited in what we can do.

Mal Rowe - always happy to do what I can, but not yet in the miracle worker category

On 26/07/2017 2:23 PM, Matthew Geiermatthew@... [TramsDownUnder] wrote:
>

> On 26/07/17 13:54, jeffrey boundsjebounds@... [TramsDownUnder]

> wrote:

> >

> >

> > I would like to know if C.O.T.M.A.is doing about this problem?

>

> Why is it's COTMA's problem that 3 privately owned trams are stored

> outdoors in a 'bad' location.

>

> The best COMTA could do is be a mediator between the owners and a

> potential landlord who has covered storage.

>

>

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