WEST KIMBERLEY PLACE REPORT - Department of Sustainability ...

Condition Report
The west Kimberley has been subject to a range of land uses and environmental
conditions over time, some of which have had varying effects on the values. Some
areas are relatively inaccessible and remain virtually untouched by modern
development.
Land use continues to vary widely across the place. As a result the west Kimberley
constitutes a patchwork of developed and natural environments in a range of
conditions.
The place is managed by a number of organisations and private landholders including
Western Australian Government agencies, Commonwealth agencies, Indigenous
community groups and Native Title holders, local councils, pastoral lease holders and
others. There are also a number of both active and pending mineral exploration and
development tenements and petroleum exploration permits within the place.
Threats to the values of the west Kimberley include (but are not limited to)
uncontrolled fire, feral animal and plant invasion, mineral and petroleum
developments, increased tourism activity and global climate change events.
Comparative Analysis
Method
The methods used in the following analysis include available literature and expert
opinion, additional information on heritage values received during consultation and
the following resources:
Historic Values: Historic heritage values of the west Kimberley are addressed in a
national context through analyses using historic thematic studies and a thematic
literature review relating to the west Kimberley. Aesthetic heritage values are
assessed in a national context with reference to reports commissioned from experts in
aesthetic heritage assessments. These sources are supplemented with published and
unpublished literature.
Indigenous Values: Indigenous heritage values of the west Kimberley are addressed
in a national context with reference to reports commissioned from experts in history,
anthropology and archaeology. Departmental officers have been working with the
Kimberley Land Council to seek input from Kimberley Traditional Owners (TO) on
the stories and associated places within the study boundary that might have
outstanding heritage value to the nation.
Natural Values: Natural biological heritage values of the west Kimberley are
addressed in a national context through analyses using the Australian Natural Heritage
Assessment Tool (ANHAT) and with reference to reports commissioned from
experts. The geological heritage values are assessed in a national context with
reference to reports commissioned from experts in geology and palaeontology. These
sources are supplemented with published and unpublished literature.
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