Sovereign Hill Apothecary. Photo: Meredith Foley
Premier of Victoria, Sovereign Hill: Victoria’s Most Valuable Tourist Icon, 6 February 2015
Sovereign Hill is one of the Ballarat region’s key drivers of economic growth and jobs, making it Victoria’s most valuable tourist asset, according to a new report.
The Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, today launched the Sovereign Hill Economic Impact Study which highlighted the significant jobs and economic contribution made by Ballarat’s key tourism attraction to the region and the state.
Sovereign Hill contributes more than $228 million of economic activity each year to Ballarat and Victoria, creating and sustaining 1442 full-time, casual and part-time jobs.
The Andrews Labor Government’s $8 million commitment to upgrade the Sovereign Hill by day and by night: Driving regional dispersal project will further boost Sovereign Hill as a driver of economic growth and tourism.
The project will create a new sound and light show night experience, enhanced play space and indigenous areas, a new costume school and a 32-bed accommodation facility.
It will also see new museum exhibits, including the Farr and Hancock mine and train tracks and confectionery manufactory.
Sovereign Hill has twice won the National Tourism award for best major attraction, in 1992 and 2005. In 2012 -13, Sovereign Hill attracted more than 700,000 visitors making it one of the largest attractions in Victoria.
