Blue Mountains News

“The Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury are home to some of the oldest natural and man-made heritage sites, which are of incredible significance to our nation,” Ms Templeman said.

“The National Heritage List celebrates and protects places of outstanding heritage value to all Australians. It reflects the story of our development as a nation, our spirit and ingenuity, and our unique, living landscapes.

“Listing under the National Heritage List provides serious protection for sites, and stops developments that could harm the heritage of these sites,” she said.

Listed places are protected under the Australian Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and approval must be obtained before taking any action to ensure there is no significant impact on the national heritage values of the place.

There are 107 sites in the National Heritage List, from well-known places such as Uluru and the Sydney Opera House, to our own backyard with the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area recognised on both the World Heritage List and National Heritage List.

“We need to actively push for our heritage to be protected and preserved for future generations,” she concluded.

Ms Templeman encouraged interested individuals to visit the Department’s  website for further information, or to get in contact with her office. Applications close 26 February 2018.