Case Studies

Background

The Bendigo Trust, now trading as Bendigo Heritage Attractions (BHA), was established in 1970 as a response to the Bendigo City Council’s plan to restore, conserve and manage the Central Deborah Gold Mine (CDGM). BHA’s mission is to operate, champion and grow living heritage assets and experiences that enrich Bendigo. BHA has successfully operated some of Bendigo’s most iconic assets for over 50 years. The CDGM is the last remaining mine (of over 5,500) that operated during Bendigo’s deep lead quartz gold mining period. It remains largely unchanged from the day it closed in 1954. 

Project Goals

This project focuses on transforming the CDGM into a major heritage tourism destination by revitalising its historical assets and creating a new ‘surface level’ tourism product. The goal is to combine the mine’s existing elements into a cohesive experience for visitors, enhancing Bendigo’s tourism offerings. The revitalisation will be implemented in stages, with the completed project expected to become a key part of Bendigo’s heritage tourism ecosystem. 

REMPLAN’s Involvement

REMPLAN supports Bendigo Heritage Attractions by undertaking an Economic Impact Assessment and a Cost Benefit Analysis to assess the impacts of the key phases of the project. REMPLAN’s study used REMPLAN – regional economic modelling and analysis system – alongside desktop research, engagement, and other analysis.   

Results

The economic assessment estimated that the operational phase would generate $2.037 million in annual gross revenue, contribute $0.818 million to the gross regional product, support 9 local jobs. The visitor economy impact of the project is predicted to generate $10 million in gross revenue, contribute $4.88 million to the region’s economic wealth and support 49 ongoing jobs. The calculated net benefit of CDGM Revitalisation project is $24.1 million over a 20-year period.