Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he is pleased the Morrison Government is supporting eligible land-owners and managers to improve the conservation, preservation and access to the heritage values of National Heritage Listed places.
Mr Ramsey said three projects in his electorate of Grey have been successful with funding of almost $500k for a range of projects.
“I am delighted to see Witjira National Park – Dalhousie: Great Artesian Basin Springs, the Australian Cornish Mining Sites in Moonta and the Ediacara Fossil Site at Nilpena will receive funding under this program.
The Witjira National Park – Dalhousie: Great Artesian Basin Springs will receive $291,000 for an upgrade of the existing interpretive material along the Irrwanyere and Idnjundura Kingfisher Springs trails at Dalhousie Springs Witjira National Park.
This will showcase the oldest continuous culture on earth using the newest technology to create an immersive cultural experience for visitors. A dusk display of digitally projected story, song, sound and illumination will provide an innovative installation of interpretive material that tells the creation stories and cultural perspectives of the Lower-Southern Arrernte and Wangkangurru people.
The National Trust of South Australia will receive $37,600 to repair the roof of the Moonta Mines Museum.
This building is in the care of the National Trust of South Australia and was formally the Moonta Mines School. This building has significance to the region, State and Australia in relation to the history of the Cornish Miners settlement in Australia and their contribution
The Ediacara Fossil Site at Nilpena will receive funding of $160,000 to provide an enhanced security environment for the fossils on Nilpena Station, which is urgently required to ensure they are not subjected to theft. This is critical in the transition of the fossil site from private pastoral lease to public conservation park. It will prepare a site access, security, compliance and information plan benchmarked across comparable fossil sites as part of implementing a controlled visitor access regime for the land. The works will include an entrance gate at the main road with fencing, automated gate, cameras and signage; cameras and signage at strategic points at the fossil site; and other mechanisms. It will also ensure there is public information on the internet
“This Government is committed to ensuring our National Heritage Listed places continue to reflect the richness of our Australian heritage and continue to be recognised for their natural, Indigenous and historic values,” Mr Ramsey said.
“Our heritage which reflects the story of Australian communities and our natural and Indigenous history is precious and must be preserved for those who come after us.
“These are three very worthy projects.”
Minster for the Environment Sussan Ley said under the program, National Heritage Listed places can receive funding to protect and promote their heritage values through strengthened recognition, management, conservation and public engagement.
“The Australian Government provides up to $5.3 million a year in grants of between $25,000 and $400,000, for projects improving the conservation and protection of National Heritage Listed areas,” Ms Ley said.
“This program helps build a strong sense of identity for many communities at the centre of National Heritage Listed Areas. We want to ensure our places of national and cultural significant value are protected and maintained for their communities and for future generations.”