The Wet Tropics Management Authority has been awarded $395,000 in funding towards its ‘The Wet Tropics Cultural Landscape Hub’ under the Morrison Government’s Australian Heritage Grants program.
Federal Environment Sussan Ley said the fourth round of the Australian Heritage Grants has a particular focus on supporting communities recover from the pandemic.
“This year’s funding round centres on preserving and promoting our nation’s rich heritage, boosting tourism and delivering economic stimulus for COVID-impacted economies,” Ms Ley said.
“Heritage Funding will be spent on protecting our iconic natural areas by investing in practical environmental work on the ground and by strengthening conservation and public engagement of sites on our National Heritage List.
“This round of funding will help create jobs and boost patronage of sites, assisting both public and privately-owned and operated National Heritage List places to recover from declining tourism numbers as a result of COVID.”
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch welcomed the funding and said it would allow the Wet Tropics Management Authority to continue its amazing work.
He said the project would be delivered in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland, Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation and Djabugay Native Title Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC.
“The project involves the development of the Wet Tropics Cultural Landscape Hub, a program that aims to educate and enhance awareness and recognition of the cultural landscape and indigenous heritage values of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area,” Mr Entsch said.
“The program will promote best practice principles for engagement and access to Country, increase the understanding of the custodial responsibilities held by Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples, and improve roles and aspirations in ongoing management and presentation of the area.
“Furthermore, the program will be presented from a Rainforest Aboriginal perspective through stakeholder engagement and innovative delivery.”
The Australian Heritage Grants program is the Australian Government’s flagship heritage grants program.
It provides ongoing support to protect and promote the values of places on the National Heritage List.
There are currently 119 places included on the National Heritage List.
All are eligible to apply for funding under the Australian Heritage Grants program.
The program commenced in 2018-19 and has an administered budget of $5.347 million each year on an ongoing basis.
