Transition Layer
4th Jul 2003, 07:42
Without meaning to cramp Wirraway's style, thought some readers might be interested as the combined Bungles Scenic tally for ppruners probably reaches well into the tens of thousands!!!
Cheers,
TL
The West Australian, 4th July, 2003
Bungle Bungles make the list
By Yonnene Pearce and Anne Buggins
PEOPLE in the East Kimberley are tipping an economic boost and influx of visitors with the world heritage listing of Purnululu National Park, home of the distinctive Bungle Bungles.
World heritage status was bestowed on the park by the World Heritage Committee in Paris on Wednesday night for its aesthetic natural values.
It is the 15th site in Australia and second in WA after Shark Bay to get world heritage listing.
In Halls Creek, 110km south-west of the park, the talk yesterday was about nothing else.
Halls Creek Motel co-owner Diana Verlinden expected benefits to flow.
She is organising new promotional visitors' brochures to include the world heritage status and is considering whether to add a safari-tour to the accommodation business she runs with her partner.
Halls Creek shire chief executive Peter McConnell said the listing would mean greater exposure for the region, development and job opportunities.
Federal Environment and Heritage Department senior executive Kevin Keefe said the listing would not change park management but would add a layer of protection by making the State and Commonwealth internationally accountable for meeting world heritage standards.
CALM Kimberley manager Chris Done said about 25,000 people flew over and 20,000 drove into the park each year.
Purnululu Aboriginal Corporation spokesman Ben Cross said reaction among traditional owners was mixed. "The listing will give a bit more power to Aboriginal people from the area to put their rules in place, and will give recognition to their attachment to their country," he said. "But people are also concerned about the possible implications of increased tourism."
The area was little-known until 1982 when aerial pictures were widely circulated. The State Government created the national park in 1987 and worked for several years to get the Federal nomination for world heritage listing.
Cheers,
TL
The West Australian, 4th July, 2003
Bungle Bungles make the list
By Yonnene Pearce and Anne Buggins
PEOPLE in the East Kimberley are tipping an economic boost and influx of visitors with the world heritage listing of Purnululu National Park, home of the distinctive Bungle Bungles.
World heritage status was bestowed on the park by the World Heritage Committee in Paris on Wednesday night for its aesthetic natural values.
It is the 15th site in Australia and second in WA after Shark Bay to get world heritage listing.
In Halls Creek, 110km south-west of the park, the talk yesterday was about nothing else.
Halls Creek Motel co-owner Diana Verlinden expected benefits to flow.
She is organising new promotional visitors' brochures to include the world heritage status and is considering whether to add a safari-tour to the accommodation business she runs with her partner.
Halls Creek shire chief executive Peter McConnell said the listing would mean greater exposure for the region, development and job opportunities.
Federal Environment and Heritage Department senior executive Kevin Keefe said the listing would not change park management but would add a layer of protection by making the State and Commonwealth internationally accountable for meeting world heritage standards.
CALM Kimberley manager Chris Done said about 25,000 people flew over and 20,000 drove into the park each year.
Purnululu Aboriginal Corporation spokesman Ben Cross said reaction among traditional owners was mixed. "The listing will give a bit more power to Aboriginal people from the area to put their rules in place, and will give recognition to their attachment to their country," he said. "But people are also concerned about the possible implications of increased tourism."
The area was little-known until 1982 when aerial pictures were widely circulated. The State Government created the national park in 1987 and worked for several years to get the Federal nomination for world heritage listing.