Blue Plaques NSW Mid-Term Evaluation

Background

The NSW Government’s Blue Plaques NSW program celebrates people, places and events that have played an important role in shaping the state’s history. Through the installation of plaques at significant locations, the program aims to increase awareness of heritage, encourage community engagement and support visitation to culturally significant sites across New South Wales.

To inform future program planning and investment decisions, an assessment was undertaken to better understand the economic contribution generated by the program and the broader value created through visitor activity associated with Blue Plaque locations.

Our role

NineSquared was engaged to undertake the economic analysis component of the Blue Plaques NSW mid-term evaluation.

Working alongside the broader evaluation team, we developed an evidence-based assessment of the economic activity associated with the program. This involved analysing visitation patterns, visitor expenditure and tourism-related impacts linked to Blue Plaque sites across New South Wales.

Our analysis examined the extent to which the program contributes to local economic activity through increased visitation and visitor spending, while also considering the role heritage initiatives can play in supporting destination appeal and cultural tourism outcomes.

Drawing on available program data, visitor research and economic modelling techniques, we quantified the economic contribution associated with the program and provided insights into the factors influencing economic outcomes across different locations and plaque types.

The analysis formed an important component of the broader evaluation, providing decision-makers with a clearer understanding of the economic impacts generated by the program and a stronger evidence base to support future program development.

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