New chapter for Line of Lode after licence granted

An exciting new chapter has begun at the iconic Line of Lode Reserve that overlooks the historic mining city of Broken Hill.

The NSW Government has awarded a Crown licence to Foundation Broken Hill, a well-respected not-for-profit organisation that supports local businesses and community ventures across Broken Hill, to manage the Line of Lode reserve for the next two years.

The NSW Government has invested $6.75 million into the Line of Lode Reserve in recent years, including the construction of a new $750,000 commercial kitchen at the Broken Earth Complex.

Over coming weeks, Foundation Broken Hill will reopen the Broken Earth Complex to visitors on a limited basis. This will allow the public the opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake in a newly renovated facility while enjoying spectacular views over the city.

Foundation Broken Hill are exploring opportunities to sub-licence the Broken Earth Complex to a commercial tenant to operate the venue on a full-time basis as a café or restaurant.

The venue offers more than 200m2 of open seating space, including a dining area, reception, bar and office areas and amenities, and a new commercial kitchen (including a large storeroom and separate cool room).

The Line of Lode is one of the world’s largest bodies of ore, containing the silver, lead and zinc, which helped shape the fortunes of one of Australia’s most famous outback towns. The Reserve, located on Crown land, offers visitors a breathtaking view of Broken Hill and is a significant heritage and tourism destination.

The Line of Lode Reserve is also home to the Miner’s Memorial. The Miner’s Memorial is a cherished, poignant site that honours the more than 800 miners who have died over the years at Broken Hill.

The architectural marvel opened in 2001 and contains the name of each miner who passed away etched into the freestanding glass panels within the steel walls.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Line of Lode Reserve is a highly visited location, in part to due to its beautiful views over Broken Hill and because the site is an integral part of the city’s broader mining heritage.

“The NSW Government’s statewide investments in maintaining and improving Crown reserves help ensure they can continue to serve their communities for many years to come.”

Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Line of Lode is one of NSW’s most unique attractions and I am thrilled that Foundation Broken Hill has pledged to re-open the whole reserve, which will drive jobs and boost tourism in the Far West.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

The Line of Lode Reserve is one of Broken Hill’s most well-known and beloved attractions. While the Miner’s Memorial has always been open to the public, the nearby Broken Earth Complex has been closed since 2021 to accommodate the upgrades to the site.

“The Reserve is an integral part of our great town’s mining heritage, and I am pleased that Foundation Broken Hill and Crown Lands will be working together to ensure this iconic site can be properly enjoyed by the public again. Foundation Broken Hill is a fantastic organisation, with which I have had a long association, and they are in an excellent position to value add to the work that has been done.”

Director of Foundation Broken Hill John Lynch OAM said:

“We are thrilled to be taking on the role of management of this great, iconic site.”

“Our first step is to conduct a soft opening of the Broken Earth Complex to identify interest from the community. We see enormous potential for this site outside of hospitality – in the right hands it could evolve into a museum, gallery, function centre or something else.

“This is the first step to support the commercial viability of the Line of Lode Reserve, but its potential is limitless.”