The Australian Government is inviting all residents of the New England to have a say in the future of our nation’s heritage.

 

Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said the Government had released a draft Australian Heritage Strategy for public comment until 9 June 2014.

 

“It’s an opportunity for all Australians to discuss what heritage icons should be protected, and how best to manage and maintain these places,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“The aim of the Strategy is to provide outcomes, priorities and actions that effectively recognise, manage and celebrate Australia’s unique heritage.

 

“Every day, residents across the New England Electorate devote their time and energy to preserving our heritage. The draft Australian Heritage Strategy contains a range of commitments and proposed actions that recognise this work and aim to support and strengthen community engagement with our heritage,” Mr Joyce said.

 

The draft strategy is built around a central vision of our natural and cultural heritage being valued by all Australians, protected for future generations and cared for by the community.

 

Essential to achieving this vision are three key elements:

 

National Leadership

Improve support for Australia's iconic world heritage sites
Capture a representative National Heritage List
Pursue greater recognition and protection of our natural and cultural heritage
Contribute to international standard setting and guidance

 

Innovative Partnerships

Greater heritage policy and process alignment across all levels of government
Build capacity through workforce support, education and training
Alternative funding, resource sharing and creative partnerships
Foster collaboration between heritage and tourism sectors

 

Community Engagement

Creating incentives to care for our heritage
Greater knowledge and engagement with our heritage
Appropriate timing for the national celebration of Australia's heritage
Management of heritage places
Models for greater recognition of heritage champions

 

The protection of Australia’s heritage is central to the Australian Government’s Plan for a Cleaner Environment and is a fundamental pillar of our vision for Australia—a society that protects and improves its environment for future generations.

 

The draft Australian Heritage Strategy is available for comment on the department’s website at:  http://www.environment.gov.au/australian-heritage-strategy