WEST KIMBERLEY PLACE REPORT - Department of Sustainability ...

were removed from a preliminary list because there was insufficient data to draw
conclusions about their aesthetic value or community value.
The report first identified 115 places with evidence of aesthetic value within the west
Kimberley. This list was shortened to 51 places with evidence of high aesthetic value.
Detailed place reports using the inspirational landscape indicators were then prepared
for each of these 51 places which were then evaluated and ranked against the three
measures outlined above. The ranking of the 51 places was carried out on the basis of
aesthetic value only (high to low). The top six of this list of 51 were deemed to be
most likely to have outstanding National Heritage value.
The top six places were distinguished from the remaining 45 (out of 51) places in that
they were the only places which had been highly ranked (4 or 5) for their indicative
aesthetic value.
The top six places were compared with similar places in Australia and with a place
which was found to be below National Heritage threshold. All six places were found
to be above the threshold measures established in the report as being sufficient to
meet National Heritage list thresholds.
It should be noted that the comparative assessment undertaken for this assessment
also refers to and considers the comparative landscape assessment work undertaken in
the Crocker and Davies (2009a & 2009b) assessment report on inspirational
landscapes. This work was undertaken at a national level.
In summary, based on the current methodology for assessing aesthetic value, the
particular aesthetic characteristics in six landscapes within the west Kimberley, and
valued by the Australian community are above National Heritage thresholds under
criterion (e).
Kimberley coast from the Buccaneer Archipelago to King George River
Particular aesthetic characteristics of the Kimberley coast valued by the Australian
community include its rugged sandstone coast with rocky headlands, prominent peaks
and striking landforms, sandy beaches, pristine rivers and drowned river valleys with
rich flora and fauna, off shore reefs and numerous islands in extensive seascapes in a
sea supporting diverse marine life. Appreciation from land, sea and air make up the
aesthetic experience.
The boundary of the aesthetic area named here 'Kimberley Coast' was established
from data collected in the aesthetic assessment report of the study area (Crocker et al.
2009), supported by the expert opinion of the Australian Heritage Council. The
boundary is not simply a statement about the extent of that area's scenic quality, but
also a reflection of evidence of community attachment. While the Crocker et al (2009)
report noted some difficulty in determining the eastward extent of the boundary
beyond Cape Voltaire, the Australian Heritage Council determined that the boundary
for the aesthetic value of the Kimberley coast should extend from the Buccaneer
Archipelago to King George River.
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