A new underground lift has been installed at Bendigo’s historical Central Deborah Gold Mine, as part of a long-term project to help manage the city’s groundwater that been impacted by past mining activities.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards recently announced the completion of the $2 million project to install a new underground lift to improve access at the Central Deborah Gold Mine.

“We’re improving the liveability of Bendigo to ensure that mining impacted groundwater continues to be managed in a safe and sustainable way while allowing visitors to experience Bendigo’s past.” Said Ms Edwards.

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 made 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.