The Victorian Goldfields are a step closer in receiving UNESCO World Heritage Status.
The State and Federal Government have added the region to Australia’s world heritage tentative list, the first formal step on the path to World Heritage recognition.
Six key areas have been included in the submission, including Creswick and the Deep Lead landscape, Walhalla Alpine mining landscape and Castlemaine Goldfields and historic townships.
Whilst Ballarat’s historic urban landscape was left off the list, the State Government says there’s the possibility of more areas being added as the nomination is developed.
The project has been a partnership between Government, First Nations groups, 15 local councils and other organisations, who will work to develop the nomination and begin the World Heritage process.
It’s estimated gaining world heritage status would boost the region’s tourism by attracting 2.2 million more visitors, within ten years of being listed.
Mayor of the City of Ballarat, Tracey Hargreaves, says she can’t overstate the positive impact the listing would have for the city.
“It’s no small task ahead. I think they’ll be a lot more refinement and work that goes into this [bid] with our team at the City of Ballarat and beyond,” she said.
