Backing regional jobs and recovery with key upgrade to Sovereign Hill

The Victorian Liberal Nationals today announce a new commitment to deliver the future of the iconic Sovereign Hill and support Ballarat and surrounding communities to recover and rebuild.

Sovereign Hill is an icon known to every Victorian. This popular tourist site tells the stories of Victoria’s famous goldrush era and contributes more than $260 million in annual economic output and over 1,660 jobs to the Victorian and local Ballarat economies.

Regional tourism has been hard hit by ongoing lockdowns and is in need of support to recover and rebuild for the future.

Therefore, an elected Guy Liberal Nationals Government will provide $27.3 million towards the next stage of Sovereign Hill Master Plan renewal project.

The renewal project will include the delivery of the Gold Pavilion, a new major facility and attraction that will showcase the stories of Sovereign Hill and local history for generations to come.

In total, the Sovereign Hill Master Plan will deliver an estimated $1.5 billion in economic benefit to Victoria and Ballarat with 1,230 additional jobs expected to be created.

This is an important project for Ballarat and Victoria’s recovery. It means more jobs for locals, more visitors to regional Victoria and better commemoration of our history for generations to come.

Comments attributable to Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy:

“The Liberals and Nationals understand the importance of Sovereign Hill to our state and this plan is an investment in Ballarat’s recovery.

“By backing the next step forward for Sovereign Hill, we will deliver more jobs, opportunities and a better future for regional Victorians.

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Tourism, Cindy McLeish:

“Sovereign Hill is an icon that draws people from all over the world to Victoria, Ballarat and our wonderful regional communities.

“Delivering world class facilities at Sovereign Hill will ensure this destination will attract visitors and support locals for generations to come.”

Comments attributable to Member for Ripon, Louise Staley:

“This investment by an elected Liberal Nationals Government reinforces our commitment to getting regional Victoria back on track.

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

Photo credit: https://www.visitvictoria.com/