THE Budj Bim National Heritage Landscape bid for UNESCO World Heritage Listing has reached a new milestone this week after being formally accepted for assessment by the World Heritage Centre.
The announcement means the indigenous site in western Victoria is now one step closer to inclusion on the World Heritage List.
Glenelg Shire Mayor Anita Rank welcomed the news and said the historic site was closer to joining Kakadu National Park and the Great Barrier Reef as Australian icons.
“Budj Bim pre-dates the Egyptian pyramids and is the home of one of Australia’s earliest civilisations and largest aquaculture systems, it is a fascinating story that is worthy of international recognition,” she said.
“The Glenelg Shire will continue to work hard to advocate for this important listing which will further enhance our status as a must see regional tourism destination, in turn creating jobs and growing our local economy.”
Ms Rank praised the efforts of the Gunditjmara community who have worked tirelessly to reach the milestone.
“I commend the efforts of the traditional owners who have spent almost 15 years campaigning to ensure that this important cultural site is recognised across the world,” she said.
“If successfully added to the World Heritage List, Budj Bim would be Australia’s 20th world heritage site and the first exclusively recognised for its indigenous cultural values.”
