New committee announced to oversee Gondwana Rainforests

• A new committee has been announced to provide strategic advice about Gondwana Rainforests to the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments.
• The new committee is Queensland-specific and includes First Nations representatives, scientists and community members.
• The committee will identify key priorities that contribute to the protection and conservation of the natural and cultural values of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.

A new committee has been formed to provide strategic advice and identify research priorities for the Queensland section of the Gondwana World Heritage Area.

The Gondwana World Heritage Advisory Committee (Queensland Section) includes an independent Chair and First Nations, scientific and community representation.

The Committee will act for the Queensland section, however cross-jurisdictional oversight for the entire protected area will occur.

Gondwana Rainforests borders southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales and is named after the ancient supercontinent, Gondwana, that existed in the southern hemisphere around 500–550 million years ago.

A biodiversity ‘hot spot,’ the Gondwana Rainforests is home to a diverse range of animals and plants, with many species surviving from ancient times.

The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area includes parts of 40 protected areas, extending from Main Range National Park in Queensland to Barrington Tops National Park in New South Wales.

Around two million people visit the World Heritage area annually.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leanne Linard:

“The new Gondwana World Heritage Advisory Committee will provide advice to Queensland and Commonwealth Ministers and management agencies about threats and opportunities related to the Gondwana World Heritage Area, with a focus on the Queensland section.

“The advice will help us meet our obligations under the World Heritage Convention, including identifying, protecting and conserving the natural and cultural values of the World Heritage Area, along with strengthening management strategies, tourism strategies and research needs.

“For tens of thousands of years, First Nations peoples lived in the Gondwana rainforests, developing specialised techniques to look after the unique natural resources.

“The Committee will contribute to the stronger recognition of the rights, interests and aspirations of the Yugambeh, Yuggera Ugarapul and Githabul peoples.

“The members of the new Committee have advanced knowledge and skills in science, Traditional Owner cultural practices and community interests.

“They will consider a broad range of issues and ensure the management of the World Heritage area is protected for generations to come.”

Quotes attributable to Gondwana World Heritage Advisory Committee (Queensland Section) Chair, Dr Ro Hill:

“This World Heritage Area contains rare plant and animal lineages and communities with ancient origins in Gondwana.

“Gondwana is a treasure-trove of natural and cultural values carefully stewarded by First Nation peoples for millennia.

“Our new Committee brings together the advanced knowledge and expertise of Yugambeh, Yuggera Ugarapul and Githabul First Nations people with that of scientists and community leaders.

“We have a wonderful opportunity for providing high-quality advice about the management of Gondwana.

“I’m honoured to Chair this group and deeply committed to contributing to ongoing stewardship of the Gondwana Rainforests.”

Further information:

Committee membership:

 Gondwana’s World Heritage criteria includes:

• Outstanding examples of major stages of the earth’s history
• Outstanding examples of significant on-going geological and biological processes
• Containing the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity

ENDS

Media contact: Scott Chandler – (07) 3719 7339