Wet Tropics celebrates 30 years of being listed on the World Heritage Register

30 years ago, on 9 December 1988, the Wet Tropics of Queensland was inscribed on the World Heritage List to conserve, protect, rehabilitate, present and transmit this beautiful and unique landscape for generations.

Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch, was in Cairns today to mark the occasion by launching the 30-year anniversary display at the Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre.

“The decade long journey through the 1970s and 80s towards World Heritage listing of the Wet Tropics was complex, controversial and caught the attention of not just Queensland, but the world,” Minister Enoch said.

“Today is a celebration of the great progress that has been achieved over the past 30 years and it’s time to reflect on the work done to protect this magnificent landscape.

“The Heritage Area retains the largest area of rainforest in Australia and is home to an exceptionally high proportion of the nation’s biodiversity.

“The First Nations people of the Wet Tropics also must be recognised and acknowledged for their continued custodianship of this country which spans thousands of generations and their partnership with the Wet Tropics Authority to continue with this vital work through the Land and Sea Ranger program.

Leslie Shirreffs, Chair of the Wet Tropics management Authority said the listing and ongoing management of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is an example of community passion and advocacy that has safeguarded its unique values for the past 30 years.

“We not only celebrate this important anniversary but rely on that same community passion and support as we respond to future challenges such as climate change and invasive pests.

“To fulfil its duty to World Heritage, the Wet Tropics Management Authority will continue to meaningfully engage with the Wet Tropics community—particularly the Rainforest Aboriginal people—to promote shared management, enjoyment and protection of this amazing place for future generations.”

The Display will be available for visitors for the next three weeks and it acknowledges the passage of time and the incredible community groups and organisations who have given the World Heritage Area their care and attention.

Queensland has five World heritage areas on the 19 Australia wide.

ENDS

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