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.
To make further enquiries
click on www.australia.org.nz.