Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement heritage listing push sparks debate over what visitors want

A regional Victorian council fears the costs of maintaining one of its most prominent tourist attractions will become “untenable” if it is added to the state heritage register.

The Pioneer Settlement at Swan Hill, which began life as a folk museum in the 1960s, was the first museum village in Victoria.

But a recommendation it be added to the heritage register could clash with the Swan Hill Rural City Council’s plan to build a $10.9 million interpretive centre and tourist destination on…