No guarantee to protect frontier

A 20-MILLION-HECTARE national heritage listing of the West Kimberley has given the federal government a big say in the future development of one of Australia's last frontiers.

That said, there is little indication of what that means.

The blanket declaration underscores the philosophical approach embraced by federal Environment Minister Tony Burke, which is to define a large area for preservation in each corner of the continent and focus on interconnection.

But a national heritage listing does not automatically stop development.

There are plenty of examples where exploration, mining and other industrial ventures have been approved in heritage-listed areas, such as the recent decision to allow gas exploration near the world heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef off the West Australian coast.

It should be no surprise the area of the controversial James Price Point gas hub development near Broome is not included in the final listing. The area was dropped from the area recommended for listing by the National Heritage Council in its final submission.

However, the inclusion of what are claimed to be among the world's best examples of continuous dinosaur footprints that run through the development zone gives the federal government a stake in how the project proceeds.

On balance, a national heritage listing probably ensures that open-slather industrial development of the West Kimberley will not take place.

In the words of Mr Burke yesterday, the decision would be a disappointment for anyone wanting to make Broome the next Dubai, a clear reference to the stated wishes of WA Premier Colin Barnett.