World Heritage listing will not lock up the region
Identifying the sites
The key focus on the sites to be considered for World Heritage listing is a small series of only the most authentic, intact and globally significant sites and buildings. Most, if not all, will be publicly owned and already protected on lists like the National Heritage List, the Victorian Heritage Register & Inventory, and in local planning schemes. In no way is there any consideration of the listing encompassing the entire Goldfields region.
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, gold prospecting & fossicking, and environmental concerns
The listing would be against the backdrop of the thousands of other sites and buildings that are already recognised as of great heritage value across the region. World Heritage experts have advised that development can and will still occur, and prospecting and fossicking activities would continue, and will be managed as they are presently. In fact, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, the environment, prospecting and fossicking are all part of the region’s continuing story and World Heritage listing.
A continuing story of gold prospecting
The ‘Miner’s right’ (a tradition traceable to 1855) is included in the World Heritage Statement of Outstanding Universal Value (SOUV) – the statement that underpins the bid.
Today, gold panning, fossicking and prospecting activities typically involve individuals using metal detectors, as well as traditional hand tools, pans and sluices in the search for gold. This living tradition is considered a low-impact and well-managed activity and is mentioned in the World Heritage bid’s SOUV.
What to know more? Download our Prospecting FAQ
Get involved
The process includes wide community engagement and we encourage stakeholders and the community to get involved by registering as a member to stay up to date and participate with all the latest happenings and activities.