Federal Government funding of $295,000 will enable the historic Burra mine site to undertake repair works and improve the tourist experience.
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said the funding was part of the Federal Government’s $61.7 million budget spending on environmental restoration and recovery measures through the $1 billion COVID Relief Fund.
“I am delighted because this investment will create jobs, boost local tourism and preserve the Burra site,” he said.
“Copper was discovered in the Burra area by shepherds in 1845 and the discovery saw the establishment of a copper mine, smelter and by 1850 Burra was the largest metal mine in Australia employing 1000 men and boys.
“Burra has been recognised as being a nationally significant heritage area which reflects the successful transplantation of Cornish mining systems to Australia, and the development of mining settlements, that are an important part of Australian history.
“The site still gives a fascinating insight into how these people lived”, Mr Ramsey said. “Its difficult for us to imagine now just how hard it was and the site along with the wonderful museum and the dugouts along the creek bed where entire families made their homes are a good reminder. It is vital such an integral part of the region’s history is preserved.”
This project will provide physical repair works to the mine office as well as design and develop a digital augmented reality experience of remaining non-existent structures. It will create a region-wide tourism product that entices visitors to stay longer and spend more in the region plus create new jobs and skill building and training in heritage conservation and communication technology.
The Burra Mine site is one of three projects in Grey to receive funding under this program- Moonta Historic Mine Site will receive $4.9m for improvements top the museum and repair works at the site and Nilpena Ediacara Fossils site in the Flinders Ranges will receive $490,000 to develop a vehicle track and viewing platforms at the fossil site.
“The grant from this fund comes on top of the $400,000 secured in 2019 to reconstruct the communal spaces of Paxton Square Cottages and develop the historic site as a first-class tourism facility.
“These initiatives will sustain jobs and local businesses, improve facilities and encourage people to visit regional communities and world heritage sites,” Mr Ramsey said.
“In Grey we have so much to offer tourists and bringing visitors to our region is great for business and jobs.
“These are projects that will create lasting legacies in regional centres which will be a big boost to local communities.”
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said that the announcements showed the Morrison Government is delivering practical and lasting environmental outcomes, partnering with both State and Territory governments and local communities.
National funding under the Morrison Government’s $61.7 million investment in environmental and heritage projects includes:
- $33.5 million for heritage upgrades to fund conservation work, infrastructure upgrades across 23 national and world heritage sites, preserving and enhancing them while creating jobs and lasting benefits for our tourism industry.
- A $20 million reef builder program to be invested in at least 11 bushfire and COVID-19-affected coastal communities to rescue native marine ecosystems from the risk of local extinction, rejuvenating local fish stocks and creating spectacular tourism dive sites in the process.
- $8.2 million to support Great Barrier Reef projects including $3.2 million to engage tourism operators in reef monitoring and surveillance, along with $5 million for Townsville’s Reef HQ.
