Media Release November 16 2006:

Our heritage at risk.

The National Trust of Australia warns that Australian heritage is at risk, and invites nominations to its new program “Our Heritage at Risk”. Speaking on behalf of its 80,000 members, the ACNT Chairman the Hon Pat Comben stated “Throughout the country important heritage is in danger of being lost to future generations of Australians This program, run in partnership with RAIA, Engineers Australia (Historic Division) and Museums Australia, aims to engage the community in seeking for solutions.”

“Our heritage is important in understanding our past and who we are “ said Mr Comben. “Sites of national significance such as the Burrup Peninsula, WA, locally significant heritage such as Tharwa Bridge, ACT, historic suburbs, and important heritage collections are at risk of demolition, damage or disposal”

“By raising awareness of the value of and the risks to our heritage, we hope to avert some of these losses.”

The new program differs from the previous “Endangered Places” program, which it replaces, in being hierarchical, and in that moveable heritage, objects and collections, as well as places can be nominated as at risk.  Built, natural,  indigenous and other cultural heritage places and objects that can be shown to be at real risk can be nominated.

Nominations will be accepted until early February.  State and Territory Top Ten lists of Our Heritage at Risk will be released on April 18th, World Heritage Day, and the National Top Ten Heritage Most at Risk list will be announced on 1st July 2007.

How to nominate may vary between states. For further information on who can and how to nominate contact the National Trust in your state or territory or www.heritageatrisk.org.au

For further information contact:                                                        

Maree Treadwell

Australian Council of National Trusts

mtreadwell@nationaltrust.org.au

02 6247 6766