JOINT MEDIA RELEASE WITH HON MATTHEW GROOM MP, TASMANIAN MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
The Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments are delivering improved outcomes for the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area with $10.2 million for the identification, protection, conservation, presentation and rehabilitation of the World Heritage values of the property.
The funding will be provided by the Commonwealth Government to support the Tasmanian Government’s increased and ongoing management responsibilities in the areas added to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in 2013.
The funding includes a one-off payment of $3.2 million next financial year to address identified priority issues such as road safety and biosecurity concerns including managing the spread of invasive species, pests and pathogens.
The funding also provides $575,000 to undertake further study and consultation with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, as requested by the World Heritage Committee, in order to develop a more detailed understanding of the Aboriginal cultural heritage values of the property.
This work will document both tangible and intangible Aboriginal cultural values in the World Heritage Area and will ensure the Aboriginal cultural values of the property are properly documented, that the threats are identified, and provide recommendations for their ongoing management.
To date the work has focussed on identifying known cultural values within the Tasmanian Wilderness, including in the 2013 extension. Planning has commenced for the next phase, including detailed on-ground surveys in consultation with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.
The Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments are committed to working together to ensure that the Outstanding Universal Values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area are fully and properly protected.
We look forward to a constructive engagement with the World Heritage Committee and its advisory bodies as we finalise the management plan for the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and would welcome direct technical discussions in Tasmania to help ensure the final management plan is consistent with the proper protection of cultural and natural values of the Area.
Australia’s experience with the Great Barrier Reef has demonstrated the value of close engagement with the World Heritage Committee to progress the effective governance, protection and management of our World Heritage properties.
We remain absolutely committed to the protection of the natural and cultural values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and, as we have always stated, the plan will deliver on Australia’s obligations under the World Heritage Convention.
(ENDS)