Historic Mine revamp on the cusp

THE Centreal Deborah Gold Mine’s much-anticipated revitalisation project is on track to begin works mid next year after $2.9 million worth of funding committed by the Federal Government in the lead up to the last election was slated to be delivered in the coming months.

The project includes a fully refurbished visitor centre, expanded customer amenities, a new cafe and outdoor dining area and accessible tram platforms.

Future visitors will also be able to look forward to a revamped artificial creek with gold panning and associated early goldrush and indigenous themed landscaping.

New perimeter fencing is expected to allow more of the site to be used for displays and provide improved privacy for neighbours, with a relocated video safety briefing room and dedicated viewing room for the historic ‘Kelly Model’ to also be installed.

Showing Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, and Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, around the facility last week, Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters predicted the project will “encourage more visitors to come to Bendigo, stay in Bendigo, and learn more about the story of our region.”

Minister King said it was great to see in person what is being delivered.

“We know that being able to grow tourism numbers really is important for regional economies,” she said. “This is a great tourist attraction, but also very much part of telling the story of gold in our region.”

She explained that Bendigo council is due to submit “all of the detailed design work” for the project by 1 December, which will then be assessed before the funding is handed over.

Further information is available on the Central Deborah Gold Mine website.