The Rudd Labor Government has today offered up to $5 million towards the $10 million new Eureka Centre for Democracy at Ballarat, North West of Melbourne.

The Centre, which is being managed by the Ballarat City Council, will be constructed at the existing Eureka Visitors Centre, which is located at the site of the 1854 Eureka uprising.

Data provided by the Council indicates that the project will support up to 100 jobs through construction and ongoing employment.

The funding is part of our $800 million Community Infrastructure Program – the largest one-off investment in local infrastructure in Australia's history.

The Government is supporting jobs and stimulating local economies during the global economic recession through investments like this.

The Centre is also expected to bring more tourists, school groups and visitors to Ballarat, further supporting the region’s economy.

Federal funding will contribute to the overall project construction, which includes:

• a 190 seat Black Box Theatre;


• exhibition and interactive display;


• heritage office;


• an interpretative and educational research centre; and


• an event precinct featuring a large open air stage.

The Centre will promote a better understanding of Australia’s history, particularly its democratic traditions. It will have interactive exhibits and provide information on Australian history in a way that is relevant to young Australians.

It will also link with the new Australian Centre for Democracy at Old Parliament House in Canberra.

This funding builds on the $1.56 million the Rudd Government has already provided to Ballarat City Council for 11 smaller infrastructure projects earlier this year.

Local councils and shires across Australia submitted more than 3,600 community projects for funding under the Community Infrastructure Program.