Ms BADGER – I’d like to ask about the comprehensive cultural heritage assessment over the TWWHA. In its entirety, it was expected to be completed in 2028, and we haven’t asked you about this since about 2022, at which time five of the 10 components were underway. Can you give us an update on those components, and if it’s still on track for completion by 2028?
Mr DUIGAN – The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service is meeting the requirements of the TWWHA management plan. Is that what you’re referring to?
Ms BADGER – The comprehensive cultural heritage assessment is part of what’s been recommended by UNESCO, the Retrospective Statement of Outstanding Universal Value on the Cultural Heritage Assessment. So, it’s a requirement. It came out of the 2015 reactive monitoring mission as something that needs to be done.
Mr DUIGAN – As part of?
Ms BADGER – As part of the body’s requirements for upholding the cultural values of the TWWHA.
Mr DUIGAN – Okay, thank you. What I am able to say is a number of plans and strategies have been developed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, in partnership with the Environment Division and Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania, that outline the various measures and management actions to support decision-making in relation to the management of the natural and cultural values in the TWWHA). These include TWWHA fire management plan, detailed plan for comprehensive cultural assessment of the TWWHA ‑ and if I cut straight to the chase ‑ the detailed plan for comprehensive cultural assessment of the TWWHA also includes work packages related to identifying, understanding and managing the impacts of climate change on the cultural values of the property. That would appear to be ‑
Ms BADGER – I’m happy to take that on notice, if you could table an update for each of those 10 components, because I understand it’s quite extensive and not necessarily easy to find now.
Mr DUIGAN – Yes. Okay, so that’s work that is ongoing, presumably. We can take that on notice?
Ms BADGER – On that similar theme, the TWWHA has been retired from UNESCO’s, or the World Heritage Committee’s State of Conservation reporting cycle. That’s very important to have that international level of scrutiny and support for the TWWHA, not just for the Tasmanian government but the Australian government. Of course, that goes to funding for firefighting, which I’m sure we all agree is continually needed; invasive species such as the deer, and perhaps we could get some help for that ragwort you’ve alerted us to, minister. What are you doing to work with your federal colleagues to get the TWWHA back on the State of Conservation reporting cycle?
Mr DUIGAN – The Commonwealth, as you are aware, is the party responsible there. Why that circumstance has occurred is not something I’m able to access in my mind at the moment. Sophie or Alice, I’d be happy to hear your thoughts there and where that piece of work sits.
Ms MULLER – Through you, minister. We talk with the Australian Government from time to time particularly around the MP work table, so they participate in that forum and are part of those discussions that occur. As part of those conversations, issues like the matter you’ve raised do get discussed from time to time. As to whether there’s an explicit strategy around engaging with the Australian government directly on that matter, I don’t have any information to hand.
Mr DUIGAN – I’m trying to think of my time in the Environment portfolio. I have some memory of it and discussion of it, but I don’t have any update to provide.
Ms BADGER – Thank you, minister, I appreciate that. I’d encourage you to write to your federal colleagues and get that back on the table, for the interests of the state.
CHAIR – Just clarifying, were you taking the question on notice?
Ms BADGER – The previous question.
CHAIR – You will?
Mr DUIGAN – Yes.
