World heritage sought for goldfields

Mayor Sophie Price said nominating the Goldfields for UNESCO’s tentative list, is the first formal step in world heritage recognition.

She said Indigo Shire’s inclusion in the bid consortium is due to the strength of its gold rush heritage, specifically the National Heritage Listed Beechworth Historic Precinct and the distinctive sluicing and water mining techniques (and relics) used throughout the Shire.

A bid spokesperson says achieving UNESCO World Heritage status will bring extensive benefits to the region’s local communities including economic and social revitalisation, strengthening regional identity, building community pride and providing educational opportunities.

A 2024 economic assessment found that the listing could see 2.5 million new visitors to the Victorian Goldfields region over 10 years, with an estimated visitor spending increase into local economies of over $500M.

Mayor Price said world Heritage Listing will see a surge in cultural heritage tourism and an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary stories that form our history. It will also mean significant investment in conservation and preservation.