General News
16 July, 2023
World Heritage bid priorities explained
LODDON Shire could expect 17,000 extra visitors a year if the Goldfields bid for World Heritage listing bid by 13 council was backed by UNESCO. City of Ballarat’s World Heritage and regional development lead Susan Fayad briefed local tourism...
LODDON Shire could expect 17,000 extra visitors a year if the Goldfields bid for World Heritage listing bid by 13 council was backed by UNESCO.
City of Ballarat’s World Heritage and regional development lead Susan Fayad briefed local tourism operators at Monday night’s Loddon Valley Tourism business network dinner in Inglewood.
More than 40 people from all parts of the shire were told that a World Heritage bid survey had found most Loddon residents wanted an increase in tourism.
Ms Fayad said the survey found Loddon people “loved their rural space” and wanted to retain freedom to use the land.
“Locals value what they have,” she said. “Each area will have its own priorities.”
Ms Fayad said the World Heritage listing would build the story of the region and boost its visitor economy.
“The bid is based on broad engagement and support,” she said.
A masterplan being developed will have themes around Aborigines, miners, rebels, migrators and makers and highlight signature experiences in the region that includes Bendigo and Ballarat.
Ms Fayad said it was important for the region “to get World Heritage ready ... being world class”.
The formal UNESCO nomination is planned to be made in 2027.
By 2030, the World Heritage bid consortium wants to see township presentation upgrades, infrastructure at experience hubs and improved rest areas.
Ms Fayad said more than 2500 sites had been mapped across the Goldfields in the process to select 14 key locations in the bid.
Loddon Shire’s economic development and tourism manager David Stretch and tourism co-ordinator Bradd Worrell told Monday’s network briefing that tourism would have a concerted focus and make a significant impact on the shire’s economy.
Mr Worrell said a tourism signage audit was also in progress.