Australia's World Heritage areas get funding boost

Federal Environment Minister Robert Hill today announced $10.8 million in Commonwealth funding for projects enhancing Australia's World Heritage areas.

The latest Commonwealth funding will support 36 projects working to ensure the nation's 13 spectacular World Heritage sites are protected for future generations.

Senator Hill said the projects targeted long-term restoration work, feral animal eradication, improving interpretative displays and controlling threats to each area's unique ecosystem.

"Australia has more World Heritage properties listed for their natural values than any other nation in the world and we are ensuring they are well preserved for future generations," Senator Hill said.

"Each of these projects will work towards improving the management of these properties, whether it be for upgrading the rainforest walking track in Dorrigo National Park in New South Wales, a major reconstruction of the boardwalk at Eli Creek on Fraser Island or controlling problem weeds within Springbrook National Park.

"We want to encourage people to visit our beautiful World Heritage areas but at the same time recognise the importance of protecting their unique biodiversity."

Senator Hill said Australians should be proud of their record in World Heritage issues.

"Australia is a world leader in its recognition of indigenous traditions on the World Heritage List," he said.

"There are seven properties in the world listed for both their natural values and indigenous traditions. Four of these properties are in Australia, Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, Kakadu National Park, Willandra Lakes Region and Tasmanian Wilderness.

"This Government has worked hard to improve the standard of management of World Heritage areas and to strengthen Federal legislation protecting World Heritage values.

"Australia was also the first nation to enact domestic legislation to specifically implement the World Heritage Convention - and this country is home to the largest World Heritage property in the world, the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area."

In the past four years, the Federal Government has provided more than $72 million to the states for more than 300 management projects in World Heritage properties.

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