THE federal government will assist efforts to secure World Heritage listing for the Royal National Park.
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Campaign leaders said the announcement by federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt at Audley on Tuesday would push the cause to "the top of the queue".
Mr Hunt, who was joined by NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker and First National Park leaders Bob Walshe and Bob Crombie, said the federal government would work with the state government on a potential nomination.
"There is an extensive and thorough process that must be gone through in order to evaluate the park for inclusion on the list," he said. "I have today committed to working with and supporting the NSW government through that process."
First National Park chairman Bob Walshe said the announcement was "absolutely wonderful news".
"It will advance the matter by years," he said.
"We have been at the end of a queue because every state in Australia has some case for a World Heritage listing.
"But with the state and federal governments co-operating so amicably I think we will be propelled to the front."
Mr Walshe said much of the information required for the investigation had been gathered and he hoped a nomination might be possible within a year.
‘‘I am very impressed with Greg Hunt,’’ he said.
‘‘For a new minister he has a very good grasp.’’
FATE TO BE DECIDED
The World Heritage list of 981 sites, including 19 in Australia, is determined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
A nomination cannot be considered unless it is on a country’s ‘‘tentative list’’, which can be updated at any time.
Nominations are sent to advisory bodies for evaluation.
The World Heritage Committee meets once a year to decide which sites will be added to the list.
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