Potential new World Heritage areas
There are a number of areas in Queensland which have been identified as potential new World Heritage properties subject to the consent of First Nations people and the support of the community:
- Quandamooka Country
- Parts of Cape York Peninsula
- It has been also proposed that an extension be made to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area to possibly include Bunya Mountains.
Bunya Mountains extension of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
In 2010, the Australian Government identified the Bunya Mountains National Park as a possible northern extension of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area and added it to Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List.
In addition to significant natural values, the unique Bunya Mountains landscape holds great cultural significance for First Nations people, including as the location of the bunya nut festival, an important cultural tradition.
World Heritage in partnership with First Nations
The Queensland Government is committed to working in partnership with First Nations peoples to manage and protect Country, including in World Heritage recognition and protection. How we will deliver on this commitment is outlined in the Gurra Gurra Framework 2020–2026.
In December 2022, the Queensland First Nations World Heritage Strategy was released which places Country and people at the centre of World Heritage activities. This extends from new nominations to planning, decision-making and on-ground management.
If you are interested in more information about these nominations, please email World.Heritage@des.qld.gov.au.