THE NSW Government is moving to nominate Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park and the Garawarra State Conservation Area for World Heritage listing.

Environment Minister Robyn Parker said the Royal National Park was the first national park to be declared in Australia in 1879, only the second in the world and is the most visited national park in NSW.

“The park was added to Australia’s National Heritage list in 2006 and the NSW Government is excited to start the process of nomination for World Heritage listing,” Ms Parker said.

“Nominating areas for World Heritage listing is a collaborative process between the Australian Government and the states, and I have approached the new Australian Minister for the Environment, Greg Hunt, to seek his support.

“There is tremendous public support for World Heritage listing and the NSW Government will be asking for Commonwealth assistance to prepare a nomination.”

 State MP for Heathcote Lee Evans said Heathcote National Park and the Garawarra State Conservation Area are rich in biodiversity and in Aboriginal and historical heritage.

“I’m proud to support this nomination for the incredible park that covers a landscape of 16,000 hectares with a wide variety of habitats that support hundreds of plant and animal species,” he said.

“The Dharawhal people lived in the area for thousands of years and there are many Aboriginal sites and artefacts including the Jibbon rock engravings. This nomination will help to promote the park and drive tourism to this special place.”