2000
Department of the Environment and Heritage
About this publication
Ministers' message
The World Heritage Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia (CERRA) comprise almost 50 separate reserves in north-east New South Wales and south-east Queensland. Each of these reserves contains important nature conservation values in its own right, however the full significance of the property becomes evident only when viewed as a whole. Each of the reserves makes a unique contribution, like the chapters in a book, to CERRA's story of the evolution of the Australian biota and landform, from its Gondwanan origins to the present. CERRA also provides a significant network of habitats for many of Australia's rare and endangered species.
CERRA's global significance was recognised by the international community when it was first included on the World Heritage List in 1986 and then re-listed with additions in 1994.
Since 1994, the Commonwealth Government and the New South Wales and Queensland Governments have recognised the need for coordinated, consistent and cooperative management, to ensure that the integrity of CERRA's values is protected. Mechanisms have been introduced progressively to ensure closer liaison, cooperation and consistency of management approach at all levels within the managing agencies.
The CERRA Strategic Overview is a major element in guiding cooperative management by the three Governments in relation to the protection, conservation and presentation of CERRA until 2007. Our endorsement of this document is a public commitment by our respective Governments to the cooperative management of CERRA in the years to come.
Endorsements
Senator the Hon Robert Hill
Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Heritage
on behalf of the Commonwealth
The Hon Bob Debus MLA
NSW Minister for the Environment
on behalf of the State of New South Wales
The Hon Rod Welford MLA
Qld Minister for the Environment and Heritage, and
Minister for Natural Resources
on behalf of the State of Queensland
Signed
Senator the Hon. Ian Campbell
Minister for the Environment and Heritage