Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP has announced that two of Bendigo’s most iconic tourist attractions will be supported to plan for the next stages of their growth, thanks to the Allan Labor Government.

The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion will receive $71,000 for a Masterplan and Feasibility Study. The project will include a detailed masterplan, architectural concept design plan and hotel feasibility study for the site. These critical planning documents will enable the Great Stupa to progress to a demand driven public/private investment-ready stage incorporating new tourist infrastructure, that includes:

• an iconic entrance gateway; new sealed roads and carpark (including bus/coach access, EV charging, delivery docks); multi-storey visitor centre/café/museum; wellness hotel & spa; event pavilion; Peace Park walkway; art studio & workshop; children's playground; residential village; plus additional multicultural attractions.

Bendigo Heritage Attractions will receive $165,000 for detailed design of a revitalisation of the Central Deborah Gold Mine site. This project will deliver detailed design of key landscape features, including the reimagined gold panning creek, outdoor decks and structures; detailed design for the refurbishment of the main visitor building and tram barn with new entries and a raised DDA compliant tram stop, an expanded events space with toilets and the creation of two safety video briefing rooms.

The project will also design an engaging surface level tour, advise on a refresh of the Gold Museum, provide interpretation of artifacts and large-scale equipment, and unlock experiential opportunities that will greatly improve the visitor experience across the site.

“The funding is a huge win for Bendigo. It will not only create local jobs in the area in the future but will also deliver many economic benefits across the region,” Ms Edwards said.

“Congratulations to the teams at Bendigo Heritage Attractions and The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion for their power of work in providing tourism opportunities locally.

“Creating new and exciting tourism infrastructure projects will go a long way to strengthen our world-class tourism offering and ensuring a strong local economy well into the future.”

These projects are one of 29 new infrastructure projects across the state’s regional and rural areas benefiting from the Enabling Tourism Fund 2024.

The Enabling Tourism Fund is part of a $170 million investment to create more local jobs, support our important tourism businesses and attract more people to the incredible experiences on offer across regional Victoria.

The grants of up to $500,000 will support regional tourism projects to reach investment-ready status by funding feasibility studies and designing future infrastructure.

The Fund is helping strengthen and grow Victoria’s tourism industry and is a key part of the Labor Government’s Experience Victoria 2033 strategic plan.