February 6th, 2025Victorian Goldfields gets green light to seek World Heritage status
The Australian Government has officially given the green light to the Victorian Goldfields’ bid for World Heritage Listing.
The move marks a historic milestone after 35 years of advocacy, and follows its successful inclusion on Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List.
This significant achievement is the result of a collaborative effort led by 15 councils across the Victorian Goldfields, with Hepburn Shire Council a proud partner in the landmark initiative.
Other partners include Traditional Owners, the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments, and local and international experts.
World Heritage listing aims to bring international attention to the extraordinary story of the Victorian Goldfields, recognised as one of the most significant gold mining regions in the world.
Hepburn Shire mayor, Cr Don Henderson has expressed his excitement about the successful inclusion on Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List announced last Friday (january 31)
“Achieving UNESCO World Heritage would preserve our region’s rich history, while creating long-term social, cultural, and economic opportunities for communities across the Goldfields,” Cr Henderson said.
“It should also encourage and promote responsible recreational prospectors coming to our region.
“This is a pivotal moment for the Victorian Goldfields and for all the communities that have been a part of this historic journey.
“Achieving World Heritage status will not only celebrate our shared history but will help foster sustainable growth and global awareness of the region’s unique cultural and environmental significance.
“Victorian Goldfields represents the most extensive, coherent, and best-surviving nineteenth century global gold rush landscape anywhere in the world,” said Barry Gamble, Chief Advisor to the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid.
The future recognition of the Victorian Goldfields as a World Heritage site would not only preserve its historical landmarks, but is also expected to boost local economies, foster pride, and attract people from around the world to experience the region’s stunning landscapes, historic towns, and cultural treasures.
This story based on a Hepburn Shire Council media release
