15 December
2006 - The Minister for the Environment and Heritage,
Ian Campbell, today announced that five of Australia’s
outstanding national parks had been placed on
the National Heritage List.
The five parks are the Royal
National Park and the adjoining Garawarra State
Conservation Area (NSW), the Warrumbungle National
Park (NSW), Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park (NSW),
the Grampians National Park (Victoria) and Stirling
Range National Park (WA).
“These five national parks showcase
some of Australia’s most beautiful and diverse
natural heritage and deserve to be given the nation’s
highest heritage honor,” Senator Campbell said.
“Their inclusion on the National
Heritage List shows the Australian Government’s
commitment to conserving Australia’s rich and
diverse natural heritage.
“Our heritage distinguishes
us. It’s much more than the ‘old’ or ‘outdated’
-- it’s about evolving and living landscapes.”
Senator Campbell said the announcement
recognised Australia’s reputation as having some
of the most rich and diverse natural heritage
in the world and would help ensure the preservation
of these parks for future generations.
“Sydney’s Royal National Park
has been included in the list with the Garawarra
State Conservation Area because of its outstanding
richness in plant and animal species and its contribution
to the beginning of the Australian conservation
movement,” Senator Campbell said.
“Ku-ring-gai Chase National
Park has an exceptional concentration of biodiversity
with 24 plant communities, more than 1000 native
plant species and 100 species of moths and butterflies.
“The dramatic volcanic landscape,
biodiversity and stunning natural beauty earned
the Warrumbungle National Park its place on the
list, while the Grampians National Park was recognised
for its powerful landscape, natural beauty and
Aboriginal rock art.
“The Stirling Range is an internationally
recognised biodiversity hotspot and its inclusion
in the National Heritage List will afford it greater
protection for future generations.”
The five parks join places such
as the Sydney Opera House, the Australian War
Memorial, Eureka Stockade and Captain Cook’s landing
site on the National Heritage List.
Further information about each natural heritage
place can be found at www.heritage.gov.au
Rob Broadfield (Senator Campbell's office)
