The Australian Geoscience Council says Etheridge shire residents would have nothing to worry about if its council’s move to apply to become a global geopark was accepted.
News of the plan for the shire’s geological wonders to form the basis of a tourism push via geopark registration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in what would be a first for Australia, has caused an uproar in sections of the community.
As a result, AgForce has convened a public meeting to be held in Georgetown on June 16, which regional president, Russell Lethbridge, said would provide an opportunity for concerns to be aired and questions to be answered.
Geoscience Council spokesman, Angus Robinson, described geoparks as both a development concept and a branding tool.
“They achieve these goals through conservation, education and geotourism,” he said. “Geoparks can comprise both protected and non-protected areas and enable and celebrate sustainable development of primary industries.”
He said no level of geopark status implied restrictions on any economic activity, where that activity complies with indigenous, local, regional and/or national legislation, adding that UNESCO had no jurisdictional powers under its Global Geopark program charter to impose any level of regulatory regime whatsoever.
“The Australian government has no desire in taking responsibility for geopark development either by way of regulation or funding,” Mr Robinson said. “Geopark approval is seen as being wholly within the jurisdiction of state governments.”
Once state government approval has been obtained, pre-aspiring geoparks have to submit an expression of interest, usually before July 1 each year, with UNESCO, which go on for review with Geoscience Australia in consultation with the federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Geopark applications are then accepted annually between October 1 and November 30.
As well as the application from the Etheridge Shire Council, a nomination for the Warrumbungles in NSW, supported by the Warrumbungle, Gilgandra and Coonamble shires, is being considered.
Mr Robinson said it was understood that the Etheridge shire was supporting the application because it was instrumental in creating a critical mass of tourism attractions, and would increase the likelihood of overseas tourists in particular, visiting the area.
“Global geopark research shows annual visitor growth rates being achieved in the range of between 7 and 15 per cent,” he said. “There are about 10 new global geoparks a year.”
He added that both the Far North Queensland branch and the Heritage Committee of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy were supportive of the Etheridge project because geoparks can celebrate mining heritage, both past and present.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
