$7 MILLION is being invested by the State Government to develop a world class visitor experience at Tae Rak (Lake Condah) within the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape on Gunditjmara Country.

Funded over two years, the project will deliver an education space to encourage visitors to learn about the Gunditjmara people – the Traditional Owners of the Budj Bim region.

Tae Rak is made up of 1700 hectares of wetlands and stony rises next to the historic lava flows of Budj Bim National Park.

The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape has been formally recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is the only Australian World Heritage site listed exclusively for its Aboriginal cultural values.

Western Victoria MP, Jaala Pulford, toured the site for the state-of-the-art upgrade last Friday.

“As the only Australian site to be listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list solely for its Aboriginal cultural values - this project will enable more people to learn and reflect,” she said.

“Budj Bim is historically and culturally unique, I look forward to seeing the new space provide more understanding about the deep history of the Gunditjmara people and the connection they have with this land.”

Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation chief executive, Denis Rose, welcomed the Victorian Government’s investment to further protect the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape and raise awareness of the landscapes significance.

“Funding for tourism infrastructure helps to ensure both locals and visitors alike can learn about and understand the history of the area and ensure it is looked after for many years to come,” he said.

The funding builds on $12 million provided by the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund in establishing Budj Bim as a cultural tourism destination and will support up to 11 jobs during construction.

Identified as part of the updated Budj Bim masterplan, the new experiences will complement the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre set to open to the public on July 1, 2022.

The Aquaculture Centre is also strengthening and maintaining the Gunditjmara community’s connections to the traditional practice of kooyang (eel) farming and smoking for future generations.

The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is temporarily closed to all visitors whilst undergoing Commercial Tourism Building works, with an anticipated re-opening on July 1, 2022.