Victorian Goldfields gets green light to seek World Heritage status

Published on 31 January 2025

The Australian Government has officially given the green light for the Victorian Goldfields' bid for World Heritage Listing, marking a historic milestone after 35 years of advocacy. This achievement 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 this 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.

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, expressed his excitement about the successful inclusion on Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List announced today.

“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. 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,” said Cr Henderson.

“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 also boost local economies, foster pride, and attract people from around the world to experience the region's stunning landscapes, historic towns, and cultural treasures.