The Moonta Historic Mine site will receive $4,941,765 as part of the Federal Government’s $61.7 million budget for environmental restoration and recovery through the $1 billion COVID Relief Fund.
In announcing the grant Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey the said the jobs and investment will be warmly welcome in the area and would provide a boost to local tourism.
“The heritage listed Moonta Mine site is an important part of South Australia’s rich mining history,” Mr Ramsey said.
“By 1875, its mining bonanza made Moonta South Australia’s second largest town and the largest copper region in the British Empire and of huge significance to the region and was instrumental in creating the financial foundations of South Australia.
“The mine finally closed in 1923, and the area was declared the Moonta Mines State Heritage Area in 1984 and it is vital such an integral part of the region’s history is preserved.”
The site is now owned by the National Trust and this project will provide physical repair works and interpretation materials such as signage. It will enhance the heritage tourism offering in Moonta, create new jobs and skills in building and training in heritage conservation.
Mr Ramsey said the 2017 listing on the National Heritage listing has elevated its significance and opened the opportunity for the National Trust to capture this grant and congratulated them and their energetic local volunteers for their vision and commitment to the area.
The Moonta Historic Mine site is one of three projects in Grey to receive funding under this program- Burra Mine Site will receive $295,000 for repair work and Nilpena Ediacara Fossils site in the Flinders Ranges will receive $490,000 to develop a vehicle track and viewing platforms.
“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.”
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.