Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute

In 2000, the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area was declared. It's million hectares have unique eucalypts and other plants, endangered animals and 60,000 years of Aboriginal heritage, but nearly 25 years on there are threats to our area. This is why I welcome the work of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute in putting together a document that lays out the most urgent and profound challenges that the World Heritage area faces in the century ahead: climate change; fire; loss of biodiversity; invasive species; direct human impacts on the landscape, such as urban run-off and flights from a 24/7 airport; and the need to recognise First Nations cultural rights.

Of course, quick and easy solutions are not always close at hand, but we won't find the answers without a strong evidence base. The research prospectus will ask big questions. I know the answers won't always be pleasant ones, and in many ways that's the whole point. That's why this research is such a worthwhile investment. I congratulate the institute on launching the prospectus with partners NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Blue Mountains City Council, who are collaborating to protect our area. You have my support, you have the mayor's support and you have the state member's support. In Science Week it's even more relevant to highlight for everyone who lives or love this region the importance of supporting the institute.