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, prospecting & mining 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 mining activities would continue, and will be managed as they are presently. In fact, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, the environment, prospecting and mining are all part of the region’s continuing story and World Heritage listing.
A continuing story of prospecting and mining
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. The living tradition of prospecting and fossicking continues to this day – a current day activity recognised in the World Heritage bid 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.