A $2 million project, funded by the Victorian Government and led by Bendigo Heritage, has seen the upgrade of underground access infrastructure at the Central Deborah Gold Mine including the installation of a new underground lift.
The lift allows workers to safely reach pumping infrastructure within minutes, replacing a climb of several hours via a ladder system.
The Central Deborah Gold Mine is one of Victoria’s leading tourist attractions where over 50,000 visitors a year get the opportunity to descend underground into the original gold mine workings.
The mine also plays a key role in managing Bendigo’s groundwater, which has been affected by the more than 5,500 mine shafts that were sunk during Bendigo’s gold rush.
As mining operations have ceased in Bendigo, groundwater has risen back to natural levels. Underground pumps shift groundwater, containing naturally occurring arsenic and other elements, from the site.
Without management, the water would seep into Bendigo Creek, impacting the environment and releasing odour in the city centre.
The project is part of the $53 million Central Bendigo Mine Rehabilitation Project that once completed, will pump and treat groundwater at a purpose-built treatment plant before it is returned safely to Bendigo Creek.
The project is an important step in improving the liveability of Bendigo and ensuring that mining impacted groundwater continues to be managed in a safe and sustainable way.
Page last updated: 05/09/25