Premier

Protecting Victoria’s Celebrated Heritage Sites

23 June 2022

The Andrews Labor Government is upgrading some of Victoria’s most celebrated historic places with a major new package of repair and restoration works.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced a $16.5 million package of significant protection works for seven iconic historical sites including Werribee Park Mansion.

Built in 1874, the Mansion is one of the largest and most opulent historic properties in Victoria. The $6 million works will include repairs and upgrades to the Welsh Slate roof, plumbing and drainage and improving the building’s resilience to weather events.

The works will ensure Werribee Mansion continues to thrive as a popular tourism destination in Melbourne and ensure the iconic heritage building is maintained for future generations to enjoy.

The initiative – the largest ever single investment in Parks Victoria’s heritage assets - is expected to create around 80 jobs over four years, many in specialist trades, to ensure these places continue to support Victoria’s tourism industry and provide multiple social, cultural and economic benefits to communities.

The site of the first Australian shots fired for both World Wars, Fort Nepean, will receive $6 million towards refurbishment and restoration to reopen public access to closed areas.

In addition, the famous Wilsons Promontory, Cape Schanck, Cape Otway and Point Hicks lighthouses will receive a share of $4.5 million towards a range of urgent maintenance and repair works.

Parks Victoria manages some of the most significant heritage places and assets in Victoria, with five places on the National Heritage List, 140 places included on the Victorian Heritage Register, and many other places of local significance.

The upgrades are being made possible thanks to funding in the Victorian Budget 2022-23, with works expected to be completed over the next four years.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’re protecting the future of Victoria’s most significant and well-known heritage sites, they are important for communities to learn about history and encourage people to get out and explore new parts of our state.”

“These heritage buildings have been exposed to nature’s fury over the years, and this funding will ensure they can continue to weather the storms and remain iconic places.”

Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“Werribee Mansion is a treasured attraction in Melbourne’s west and is incredibly important for tourism and economic activity – this funding will make sure its future is bright.”

Reviewed 23 June 2022

Was this page helpful?