Article reproduced from the ypct.com.au – May 14 2020 edition

A FEDERAL government grant will help the National Trust Moonta branch develop a Conservation Management Plan for Moonta Mines. Copper Coast Council received $88,000 through the Australian Heritage Grants Program, although the funding still needs to be signed off by the next federal government. “It is vitally important we preserve Australia’s historically significant sites and landmarks,” Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said. “This program will help with a $6million investment from the Morrison government, ensuring Australians can continue to experience and learn about their nation’s unique heritage. “Our past is such an intrinsic part of our present and our future — it tells the journey of a region and enables future generations to know and understand our identity, telling stories of the moments that made our unique history.” Moonta Mines was added to the National Heritage List in 2017 and National Trust members, together with council and key stakeholders, have been working to develop a plan for the future. A site development and business plan was released last year. It includes plans to move the visitor information centre to the mines, and creating further attractions for the area like an adventure playground and underground mining experience. National Trust Moonta branch chairperson Stephen Stock said the federal grant was fantastic for the town and the district. “It will really help us move forward with our plans and use this funding to help us access other grants,” he said. “We’re able to roll on to the next stage of our plans to get this going, and we thank council and Rowan Ramsey for their help in doing this.” Mayor Roslyn Talbot said grant was a reward for the hard work the National Trust had put in for some time. “They have a great plan to develop Moonta Mines and it’s exciting to see it progress,” she said. “It’s important not only for tourism and economic growth but also for preserving our history.”