Kimberly Heritage Listing

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke announced near Broome this morning that more than 19 million hectares of the west Kimberley will be given national heritage listing.

But the Woodside project at James Price Point, 60km north of Broome, will not be included in the listing.

“The west Kimberley belongs on a list of the places which define Australia,” Mr Burke said in a statement.

“Its unique wildlife, stunning coastlines, spectacular gorges and waterfalls, ancient and ongoing Aboriginal cultural traditions as well as its pastoral and pearling history make this one of the most remarkable places in our nation.”

Areas in the west Kimberley identified as having outstanding heritage values and inscribed on the National Heritage List include:

• The incredible natural beauty of the coast from the Buccaneer Archipelago to the King George River; the Mitchell Plateau; King George Falls; Geikie Gorge, Windjana Gorge and King Leopold Ranges;
• Rich biodiversity, including many plants, mammals, reptiles, frogs and invertebrates that are found only in this part of Australia;
• Remnants of a vast coral reef, similar in scale to the Great Barrier Reef, that existed nearly 400 million years ago;
• Dinosaur footprints on the west coast of the Dampier Peninsula which are remarkable remnant of past life in the region;
• Ongoing Aboriginal traditions associated with Wanjina and the Rainbow Serpent and spectacular rock;
• Sites which tell a more recent history including Jandamarra, the dispute at Noonkanbah Station and the drove to Fossil Downs which became the longest overlanding cattle drive in Australia’s history; and
• Evidence of early contact with Indonesia as well as early European exploration of the Australian continent.