It will stay on the list for 12 months before being considered for World Heritage nomination.

The move follows an $8 million investment in the site by the state government to strengthen the area’s key heritage management and infrastructure projects.

Work on the site will begin this year, with Budj Bim Master Plan stages one and two to be completed by 2019.

A key project of the master plan is the construction of a traditional eel aquaculture interpretation centre to support eel product manufature and sales. 

Budj Bim is home to one of Australia’s oldest and largest aquaculture systems and is evidence of a large, settled Aboriginal community systematically farming and smoking eels for food and trade.

Premier Daniel Andrews said Budj Bim was a special place for all Victorians.

“It’s a Victorian treasure and it should be recognised as an international treasure,” Mr Daniels said.

“The Gunditjmara people have a significant relationship with this land. Work will get under way this year on the improvements they’re asked for as part of their vision for the site.”

Acting Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Lisa Neville said the government wanted to increase the traditional owner’s control of their cultural heritage.

“This announcement provides greater recognition to this remarkable cultural and tourism asset, making it a special day for the Gunditjmara and south-west Victoria.”