News

Victorian Goldfields bid seeks community input

By McPherson Media Group

Jul 14, 2026

Community information sessions were held in Rushworth throughout 2025, with Neville Borger, Bill Perry, Peter Reade, Campaspe Shire Council economic development manager Astrid O'Farrell, Cr Luke Sharrock, strategic advisor to Heritage Victoria Trevor Budge, and City of Ballarat World Heritage and regional development lead Susan Fayad attending one of the sessions. Photo by McPherson Media Group

Campaspe Shire residents are being encouraged to contribute to the region's bid for UNESCO World Heritage status through an online community consultation survey.

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The Let's Get World Heritage Ready survey invites community members to share what places, stories and opportunities matter most to them as part of the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid.

Within Campaspe Shire, the bid focuses on the historic goldfields landscapes of Rushworth and Whroo.

The bid, involving 15 local governments, Traditional Owners, the Victorian Government and regional stakeholders, seeks recognition of a landscape shaped by tens of thousands of years of First Peoples' connection to Country alongside the significance of the nineteenth century gold rush.

The Victorian Goldfields was added to Australia's World Heritage Tentative List in January 2025.

Independent analysis estimates a listing could generate up to $1 billion in economic benefits over 10 years, including more than 2.5 million additional visitors and around 2000 new tourism jobs.

Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell said the consultation was an opportunity for residents to contribute to a story of international significance.

"This is a rare opportunity to help shape how our region's rich history and heritage are recognised and shared with the world," Cr Mackrell said.

The survey is available at campaspe.vic.gov.au/Our-council/Now-open/Lets-get-World-Heritage-ready