Natural and cultural heritage: Introduction
The environment-built, natural and social-provides the context in which people live. Interactions with the environment help shape personal and community identities and influence the way people live. In a world of rapidly changing attitudes and values, it is important for people to maintain an understanding of the past and links with it.
'Natural heritage' is the term used to describe the physical, biological and geological features that have significance to the community. Queensland's natural heritage includes places with important scientific and conservation values, biodiversity, geodiversity, significant ecosystems, indigenous species of plants and animals, and natural beauty.
'Cultural heritage' is the term used to describe both tangible and intangible aspects of the past that determine who we are today. It includes places that we value for their association with our own past and the history of our communities. Our cultural heritage includes objects, artefacts, documentary records and works of art, and incorporates our religious beliefs, folklore, memories, ideas, skills and practices. Cultural heritage covers aspects of both Indigenous heritage and historical heritage. Indigenous cultural heritage refers to the heritage places, objects and intangible aspects of the first inhabitants of Australia. Historical cultural heritage refers to the heritage places, objects and intangible aspects of Australian culture since 1788.
Natural and cultural heritage are inextricably linked in Australia. The entire landscape has been modified or had cultural significance attached to it throughout its long history of human habitation. In this chapter, when natural and cultural heritage are considered together, they are referred to as 'heritage'.
This chapter examines four heritage issues:
- Knowledge of Queensland's heritage;
- Assessing the condition of Queensland's heritage;
- Protecting Queensland's heritage; and
- Community awareness and support.
Queensland 's first state of the environment report, published in 1999, examined only cultural heritage. The 2003 report introduced the important aspect of natural heritage. The 2007 report continues to assess both natural and cultural heritage in Queensland. The report uses measurable indicators to examine the trends in natural and cultural heritage. It uses 28 of the 46 indicators from the 2003 report: 15 for heritage places, 0 for heritage collections, and 13 for general heritage management. Due to changes in heritage legislation and other factors since the 2003 report, not all indicators are comparable across reporting periods, and some indicators have not been reported on.
This chapter identifies trends by examining the previous and current data that will assist in the formulation of policies regarding heritage issues. It will also help raise public awareness of the challenges facing the management and protection of Queensland's natural and cultural heritage.
Return to State of the Environment Report 2007 content page
Last reviewed 17 May 2011
Last updated 13 February 2008