The Victorian Goldfields UNESCO World Heritage bid has been given a big boost thanks to $3.8 million announced in the Victorian Budget for championing Victoria’s outstanding heritage.
World Heritage listing of a limited number of globally significant sites will deliver real and long-lasting benefits that will be shared by communities and people right across the Goldfields region.
World Heritage will bring world-wide recognition and attention and is a proven, powerful catalyst for unlocking transformative opportunities for local communities. It is estimated to be worth $1 billion to the region over 10 years. Connecting the world with the Victorian Goldfields will grow our global visitor market, driving sustainable tourism and jobs.
Meanwhile, a targeted tourism investment strategy will start delivering benefits in the short-term.
The bid is the initiative of a regional partnership made up of the Victorian Goldfields Tourism Executive and 13 local councils led the City of Ballarat and the City of Greater Bendigo.
Chair of the Victorian Goldfields Tourism Executive Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor explains that a tourism masterplan currently being developed features exciting World Heritage Journeys which will disperse the increased visitors – and visitor dollars – throughout the region.
“It will take in our smaller regional and rural communities meaning there are no winners and losers, only winners.”
Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos reiterated the importance of the funding to drive tourism in Campaspe Shire.
“The goldfields in the southern part of Campaspe Shire around Rushworth were a catalyst for social and economic transformation that forever changed the landscape and history of that area.
“Rushworth High Street was declared an Urban Conservation Area of Special Significance by the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Trust in the 1980s so this would further cement the preservation of heritage in the town and drive tourism and economic growth in the region,” Cr Amos said.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson OAM says that leveraging and strengthening community pride is a vital part of the work.
“Locals have told us they are proud of what we have. Our unique heritage is a key reason they want to live and work here.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf says that unlocking the benefits needs strong collaboration between local communities, businesses and industry.
“It will take everyone working together. The bid merely opens up the opportunities.
“Importantly, Traditional Owners will be able to tell their own stories about the impact of the gold rush and share those with visitors in the ways they choose.
“We urge everyone to get involved in shaping an exciting, sustainable and prosperous future.”
