Led by Ballarat and Greater Bendigo, the council partnership is unprecedented, and is aiming to progress the bid for the goldfields to the international stage.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Andrea Metcalf said it was hoped the announcement that regional Victoria would host the 2026 Commonwealth Games would also put the site on the map.
“This will enable us to promote our exceptional heritage and experiences, disperse games visitors throughout our region and build a legacy for our communities and businesses that strengthens our World Heritage bid,” she said.
“We keenly await news from the state government on their financial support to help us to achieve all of this, together.”
The councils have asked the Victorian Government for $500,000 in funding to help support the bid, and have met with Regional Development Minister Mary-Anne Thomas to discuss the benefits.
Central Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid co-patron Denis Napthine said government support was “vital”.
“(The bid) will deliver enormous benefits in terms of regional growth and development,” he said.
“World Heritage listing is a proven, powerful catalyst. It will deliver enormous immediate and long-term benefits, including investment, tourism and jobs, while promoting local and national pride in this remarkable region.”
The funding from the state government has been proposed to be allocated as part of the Regional Development Victoria $10 million Investment Fast-Track Fund.
The partnership has already committed $125,000 to the bid.
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