The Australian government's National Heritage list is a list of exceptional natural and cultural places which help give Australia its national identity. These include places that reflect critical moments in our development as a nation, places that reflect our achievements, joys and sorrows, and places that encompass Australia's rich and diverse natural heritage. Our National Heritage List comprises natural, historic and Indigenous places that are of outstanding national heritage value to the Australian nation, and include such places as the MCG, Uluru and the Royal National Park near Sydney. Places in Tasmania already on the National Heritage list include the Tasmanian Wilderness, the Richmond Bridge, and Recherche Bay. Visit the Australian heritage list by clicking on the link: http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/
The Tarkine National Coalition have formally nominated the Tarkine for the National Heritage list, and are awaiting the completion of a formal process of assessment for that nomination from the Australian Heritage Council. The Australian Heritage Council will then report to and make recommendations to the Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, who makes the final decision on listing.
National Heritage listing for the Tarkine would be a fantastic step forward for protection of the Tarkine, recognition of its outstanding values, and would be a great boost for the local eco-tourism industry. The Tarkine is recognised on the Australian Government's 'Register of the National Estate' for its outstanding values, and should be recognised on the National Heritage list. The text of the Tarkine National Coalition's National Heritage nomination can be downloaded here, and you can check out the progress of the nomination by visiting the National Heritage list here (http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/national/index.html) and following the links.