City of Broken Hill added to the National Heritage List
Professor Carmen Lawrence, Chair of the Australian Heritage Council, said the Council was delighted to have Broken Hill’s dramatic desert landscape, its unique character and remarkable industrial and geological heritage recognised in the National Heritage List.
(Media-Newswire.com) - The Australian Heritage Council today welcomed the addition of the City of Broken Hill to the National Heritage List.
Professor Carmen Lawrence, Chair of the Australian Heritage Council, said the Council was delighted to have Broken Hill’s dramatic desert landscape, its unique character and remarkable industrial and geological heritage recognised in the National Heritage List.
“The geology of Broken Hill is of national significance. It contains more than 2,000 million years of the Earth’s history and records the evolution of landscapes and geological environments.
“Discovered in 1883, Broken Hill’s Line of Lode is one of the world’s largest deposits of zinc, lead and silver and represents just one element of the region’s significant geological heritage.
“This geological diversity has been the cornerstone of Broken Hill and its mining operations.
“The wealth and expertise generated by mining over 130 years of mining operations at Broken Hill has ensured Australia became known around the world as one of the major providers of vital raw materials.
“The City of Broken Hill is a rare example of a place subject to Australia’s complex federal system. During its history three States and the Commonwealth have had various administrative responsibilities for Broken Hill.
“This unique mix of government and cultural influences is reflected in the architecture of Broken Hill,” Professor Lawrence said.
Historic government buildings in Broken Hill reflect the NSW colonial government style of architecture, with residential buildings reflecting those of South Australia. While commercial buildings display characteristics similar to Melbourne’s Victorian architectural period.
“Located in the far west of New South Wales, just 44 kilometres from the South Australian border, its isolation has created a community and city that is unique.
“Broken Hill operates under Central Australian Time. New South Wales and the local council provide water and other infrastructure. Its main transport corridor begins at its closest capital the city of Adelaide, but a representative from Broken Hill sits in the NSW Parliament.
“All this has created a unique Australian place that is recognised for its resilience and endurance and is a symbol of the challenges of living in the Australian outback,” Professor Lawrence said.
The City of Broken Hill is the 103rd place included in the National Heritage List.
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