habitat magazine - Australian Conservation Foundation

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26
On top of the world
A World Heritage nomination for
Cape York Peninsula would provide
a suite of opportunities for the people
of Australia’s pointiest region.
Leah Talbot and Andrew Picone
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Cape York Peninsula, on Australia’s north
east tip, is rich in spectacular landscapes and
unique wildlife.
The Cape’s iconic natural values are recognised
across Australia, palm cockatoos and spotted
cuscus, the dusky hues of Shelburne Bay and
the saturated vibrancy of Aurukun wetlands.
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As a country we are less clear about what represents the cultural
landscape of Cape York Peninsula. But it is the Indigenous
stories, sacred sites, tracks and dreaming places that intertwine
with the rich natural values and elevate Cape York to international
significance. This is why the question of a Cape York World
Heritage listing nomination exists.
Current limited employment opportunities leave Cape communities
facing difficult socio-economic circumstances. Pastoralism
continues, soils are too poor for agriculture and mining has
seen an increase in exploration leases across the region — posing a
serious threat to the natural and cultural values.
Current Australian World Heritage properties collectively
generate more than $7 billion in economic activity each year.
Queensland World Heritage sites contribute more than $4 billion
alone and provide approximately 25,000 direct and related jobs.
To improve Cape York’s economic prospects the region requires
strong investment from state ad federal governments to
position communities to develop new and innovative enterprises
and expand existing businesses which can take full advantage of
a World Heritage listing.
Opportunities include growth in Indigenous land and sea management
and ranger enterprises, landscape scale carbon abatement
programs, bush food cottage industries, cultural enterprises,
increased tourism operations and improved infrastructure.
Recognising the established roles, diversity and capacity of
existing organisations including Aboriginal land trusts and other
entities is the best way to achieve this.
The Australian Conservation Foundation has called on Queensland
state and federal governments to deliver an economic support
package to advance the growth of these initiatives.
Management of a large World Heritage area offers conservation
infrastructure and improvements in Indigenous wellbeing by
maintenance of strong links to traditional lands and training to
manage that land according to contemporary cultural aspirations.
Cape York World Heritage nomination needs Traditional
Owner consent, government support and if implemented, requires
the right economic package to support Indigenous led initiatives
and enterprise.
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