Queensland government ceases involvement in World Heritage consultation

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell has announced that the State Government will cease its involvement in negotiations surrounding World Heritage nominations on Cape York.

Mr Powell said the Federal government had initiated its own negotiations with traditional owner groups on the Cape and said it would be counter-productive for the State Government to consult with interest groups simultaneously.

“Consistent with its election commitment, the Newman government will support the Commonwealth with a potential nomination of ‘the best of the best’ areas that demonstrate outstanding universal values, but is no longer participating in consultation arrangements,” Mr Powell said.

“We do not want to have duplication of consultation processes as this is a waste of taxpayers’ money and can create mixed messages among communities on the Cape.”

“I acknowledge that the Australian Government, as the entity responsible for any nomination to UNESCO, has the right to enter into its own arrangements regardless of State support.”

“To assist the Commonwealth with its lead role in World Heritage consultation and consent, I have directed that the all remaining funds committed for Indigenous consultation be returned to the Australian Government so that it may progress its own arrangements.”

ENDS-  

Contact:  Alex Bernard 0417 252 563