Funds promised for Gold Pavilion

THE development of a new Gold Pavilion at Sovereign Hill will receive a funding boost if the Liberal party forms State government later this month.

Shadow Minister for Tourism Cindy McLeish announced $27.3 million from their Tourism Plan would go towards the educational centre, which is part of the outdoor museum’s master planning.

“Sovereign Hill is an iconic tourist destination in Victoria. Our investment in the next stage of development will ensure it remains one of our greatest tourist destinations,” Ms McLeish said.

“It is so important that governments invest in our major tourism infrastructure right around Victoria.

“Our commitment… will go a long way to regenerate the local Ballarat economy that has been so badly hit by the pandemic.”

Sovereign Hill CEO Sara Quon said the Gold Pavilion is a “fundamentally exciting” opportunity for the living museum, which will turn 52 years old this month.

“This is our project for the next 50 years; a foundational project… that will deliver a new entry, orientation space, and a phenomenal new exhibition space,” she said.

“This will also have three state-of-the-art education classrooms. It’s a real step forward for Sovereign Hill, Ballarat and regional Victoria, and Victoria as a whole.

“It’s important that our regional attractions are strong anchors in COVID recovery, and this project is fundamental to Sovereign Hill being a big part of the regional economy into the future.”

Respective Liberal candidates for Wendouree, Ripon and Eureka, Samantha McIntosh, Louise Staley, and Paul Tatchell, visited Sovereign Hill as Ms McLeish made the announcement last week.

Ms McIntosh said the Gold Pavilion will create jobs, opportunities, and a better future for regional Victorians.

“We look forward to continuing to support locals by creating hundreds of jobs right here in Ballarat and surrounding communities,” she said.