Australia’s federal government is considering introducing a national lottery to fund projects preserving the country’s heritage sites.

Taking up a model similar of that to the UK’s Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) – which has raised more than £3bn (US$4.5bn, €4bn) since its inception in 1994, funding more than 200 major projects – the idea would “make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities,” according to the Australia’s environment minister, Greg Hunt.

Outlined as part of a five-year strategy to increase heritage funding in Australia, the plan also includes methods of gaining publicity for the nation’s heritage sites, with a more creative use of storytelling online and better protection of Australia’s 100 world and national heritage-listed sites.

“Heritage management should be a shared responsibility between national, state and local governments, private owners, businesses and the local community,” said Hunt. “The strategy will explore the potential for a national lottery that would benefit this country's magnificent heritage".