A BENDIGO councillor is shining a spotlight on part of the city's mining history, which he believes has the potential to be further showcased.
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Whipstick ward's Cr Dave Fagg has suggested enhancements to the Victoria Hill Mining Reserve.
The diggings reserve, near the Gold Mines Hotel, was once home to the world's deepest mining site.
Cr Fagg believed the reserve had the potential to greater complement the Central Deborah Gold Mine as a tourist attraction.
"Ideally I'd like to see much more frequent tours through here," Cr Fagg said, noting there were people in the community who had the knowledge to share.
More extensive interpretive signage was also on his wish list. The reserve has some signage, but Cr Fagg felt more could be done to tell the site's rich history.
About $8 billion worth of gold was unearthed from the mine in its 97 operational years.
The City of Greater Bendigo website says the mines represent the "symbolic heart of Bendigo gold mining history".
The site has scientific, archaeological and historical significance.
The area also has history for the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, which a memorial in the neighbouring Albert Richardson Reserve marks.
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Cr Fagg believed the paths in the Victoria Hill Mining Reserve could be improved, and highlighted a lack of wheelchair accessibility.
He identified opportunities to plan for flora and fauna in the area and for the preservation of mining relics.
In a social media post, the Whipstick ward councillor suggested improving the reserve's connections with the Long Gully linear trail, the Gold Mines Hotel and the Long Gully Community Garden.
"I can see the scope to improve it, especially with the drive to make the central Victorian goldfields a UNESCO world heritage area," Cr Fagg said.
The post was shared on both his personal and councillor Facebook accounts, representing Cr Fagg's personal views.
The concept has not been raised in a public council meeting, though Cr Fagg said it was among the issues he raised while campaigning for his seat.
His post invited community feedback on the idea of further enhancing the reserve, which Cr Fagg believed was among the city's hidden gems.
"It's a lovely place to spend time," he said.
The feedback he had received so far reflected people's appreciation for the space and acknowledgement of the potential for improvements.
The diggings are on Crown land. The City of Greater Bendigo has Committee of Management responsibilities for the site.
Bendigo Heritage Attractions chief executive James Reade said Victoria Hill was a critical part of Bendigo's mining history.
"Bendigo Heritage Attractions welcomes any conversation around conserving and showcasing Bendigo's living heritage going forward," Mr Reade said.