FROM SHIP TO SHORE – CELEBRANTING AUSTRALIA’S
COASTAL AND MARITIME HERITAGE

08/03/2006 - Australia’s maritime history will be the focus of a $495,000 campaign to mark the significant heritage places that dot our coastline and tell the story of story of Australia’s early history, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, said today.
Senator Campbell said the coastal and maritime theme would highlight Australia’s affinity with the ocean and encourage a better appreciation of Australia’s early maritime heritage links.
“Australia’s 25,000 km coastline is rich in natural, historic and Indigenous heritage treasures yet its heritage values are not widely known,” Senator Campbell said.
He said this year’s theme would explore places associated with European settlement, Indigenous sites, Macassan (Indonesian) sites, historic buildings, wharves and jetties, lighthouses, coastal defence installations and shipwrecks.
“Throughout 2006, the Australian Government will support a number of coastal and maritime heritage initiatives as well as a range of coastal and maritime national heritage list nominations and funding for eligible projects with a coastal and maritime focus.
“A key component of the focus on coastal and maritime heritage is the Australian Government’s sponsorship for the Duyfken replica voyage around Australia which will give Australians a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a working 16th century vessel.”
Senator Campbell also launched ‘Great Southern Land: The maritime exploration of Terra Australis’, by Michael Pearson. The book has been published as part of the Australian Government’s celebration of our national coastal and maritime heritage.
“The book includes the story about charting the Australian continent from the unknown southern land or ‘Terra Australis Incognita’, to the Australia we know today,” Senator Campbell said.
“The theme aims to give Australians a greater insight into the significant contribution our coastal and maritime sites and places have made to today’s society, and to our way of life.
“I encourage all Australians to celebrate our coastal and maritime heritage,” he said.
For further information on Australia’s heritage, visit www.heritage.gov.au