Parts of Cape York gain tentative UNESCO World Heritage status

Parts of far north Queensland’s Cape York have secured a tentative place on the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking the first step in a years-long quest.

Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek speaks with Olkola elder Michael Ross and other Cape York indigenous leaders at the announcement of a UNESCO tentative world heritage listing. Picture: Peter Carruthers

Parts of Cape York in far north Queensland have secured a tentative place on the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking the first step in a years-long quest to secure an official nomination.

The milestone follows a partnership between Cape York Traditional Owner groups and the federal and Queensland Labor governments to have some 120,000 sq km of the northeast of Australia recognised on a global level.

Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said a World Heritage listing would allow for better protection of the Cape and offer an economic boon from tourism.

“Cape York is a special place, combining natural beauty and deep cultural history,” she said.

“Cape York is an important site in our national story. It’s home to spectacular landscapes, important places, and stories that span generations. With the support of traditional owners, I want to see it added to the World Heritage List to recognise it alongside our other precious places like the Great Barrier Reef.”

Seven areas have been included in the tentative submission: Alwal National Park, Kulla (McIlwraith Range) National Park, Ma’alpiku (Restoration Island) National Park, Olkola National Park, Oyala Thumotang National Park, Quinkan Country and Wuthathi (Shelburne Bay) National Park.

They span ancient remnant rainforests, savannas and wetlands linked to tens of thousand of years of Aboriginal culture, and are home to over 300 threatened species, 18.5 per cent of our plant species, and rock art detailing local Aboriginal stories.

Allan Creek, an elder of the local Southern Kaantju people, was involved in consultation and believes the recognition will allow Indigenous people greater opportunity to protect the land.