Barry Gamble, author of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage inscription, has developed a 'Statement of Outstanding Universal Value' to help progress the bid.

In it, he calls the Central Victorian Goldfields "the most extensive, coherent and best-surviving landscape anywhere, that illustrates the global gold rush phenomenon of the second half of the 19th century".

READ MORE: State backing for Goldfields heritage bid

READ MORE: World Heritage listing could be the key to unlocking Victoria after pandemic

The support comes as a further $50,000 has been pledged for the bid from the Victorian Goldfields Tourism Executive on top of the $50,000 which was funded by the state government in July.

The additional funds will be used to develop publicity material that will promote the World Heritage value of the region, including a website, social media campaigns and branding and a series of exciting stories of the Goldfields to drive added visitor interest and engagement.

Chair Victorian Goldfields tourism executive, Chris Meddows-Taylor, said it was important to build on the stamp of approval the bid has received to date.

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"The added injection of $50,000 to promote the region will not only support the bid but create early and tangible benefits for industry in the COVID-19 recovery environment," Mr Meddows-Taylor said.

The bid is being co-ordinated by 13 local government partners including Ararat Rural City, Campaspe Shire, Central Goldfields Shire, City of Ballarat, City of Greater Bendigo, Golden Plains Shire, Hepburn Shire, Loddon Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire, Moorabool Shire Council, Mount Alexander Shire, Northern Grampians Shire and Pyrenees Shire Councils.

Former Victorian Premiers John Brumby and Denis Napthine have been named the patrons of the bid. Mr Brumby was the first person to discuss the idea in the 1980s.

Mr Brumby said the region's heritage is among the best in the world.

"We also know that World Heritage listing, as well as the journey to achieve it, can achieve strong regional and community development, supporting tourism COVID-19 recovery and jobs - a second gold rush for the region, which couldn't come at a more needed time," he said.

Dr Napthine said he was also very pleased to support the bid.

"The recent and successful bid to list the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in south-west Victoria on the World Heritage List was a long process but it has put the region on the map," he said.

"Like Budj Bim, the bid to list the Central Victorian Goldfields is a terrific way for the whole community to benefit in so many ways including driving the regional economy through added tourism.

"We must support our regions - they are vital to the future of our state and our country."

Wendouree MP Juliana Addison said it was a opportunity worth supporting.

"We know how significant World Heritage Listing is to tourism, to jobs and local economies and by us providing $50,000 will support the research to make sure we put our very best foot forward, is something I'm very proud of," she said.

"If successful, the listing will bring significant social and economic benefits to our region by creating tourism opportunities and jobs."

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