Australian Heritage Council
National heritage listing of the Indigenous heritage values of the Wet Tropics of Queensland
Media release
9 November 2012
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The Australian Heritage Council today welcomed the Australian Government’s recognition of the Indigenous national heritage values of the Wet Tropics of Queensland.
“The Indigenous heritage values of the Wet Tropics of Queensland are of outstanding value to the nation and tell a story of Indigenous connection to the rainforest environment and landscape that spans thousands of years,” Chair of the Australian Heritage Council, Professor Carmen Lawrence said.
“In recommending that the Indigenous heritage values be included in the existing Wet Tropics of Queensland National Heritage Listing, the Council wanted to acknowledge and recognise the longevity and uniqueness of the traditions and stories of the Aboriginal Rainforest People of the Wet Tropics.
“The Wet Tropics of Queensland is renowned around the world for its spectacular scenery of rivers, gorges, waterfalls, and mountains and is one of the largest rainforest wilderness areas in Australia.
“I am delighted that the Indigenous heritage of the region is now included as part of its National Heritage Listing.
“The national Indigenous heritage values of the Aboriginal Rainforest People encompass a unique cultural heritage including dreamtime and creation stories, traditional food gathering and processing, and land management techniques.
“The stories and traditions passed down from the ancestors of the Aboriginal Rainforest People enabled Rainforest Aboriginal People to survive in a difficult and challenging environment and continue to be valued today.
“In undertaking our assessment, the Council considered it an honour to be able to record the Indigenous culture of the Aboriginal Rainforest People and recognise their national significance.
“I commend Minister Burke for acknowledging the importance of the national Indigenous heritage values of the Wet Tropics of Queensland and for ensuring they are protected by their inclusion on the National Heritage List,” Dr Lawrence said.
The Wet Tropics of Queensland was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1988 and was added to the National Heritage List in 2007.
For more information on the national Indigenous heritage values of the Wet Tropics of Queensland go to http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage
Media contact DSEWPAC Media 02 6275 9880.
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