GeoHeritage

In Western Australia, geological heritage (geoheritage) is recognised through specific criteria for listing sites of geoconservation importance, with two main levels of recognition: geoheritage sites and geoheritage reserves.

Geological Heritage Criteria

Geoheritage sites are locations that showcase significant geological features such as unique rock formations, evidence of early life, unusual fossils, rare minerals, or exceptional examples of geological processes. The recognition criteria generally include:

The site must demonstrate rare, uncommon, or endangered aspects of Western Australia’s natural or geological history.
The site provides research value or the potential to yield information that is not available elsewhere, contributing to the understanding of the region’s natural history.
The site showcases technical innovation, unique landforms, or features that are rare in the state or were once common but have become scarce.
The significance may be at local, state, or even international levels, depending on the rarity, uniqueness, and illustrative value of the site.
Sites of exceptional international significance and those at risk of damage can be elevated to legal protection as ‘geoheritage reserves’, often with highly restricted access and strict management plans.

Process for Listing a Site

Nomination: Sites can be nominated by geologists, researchers, conservationists, or members of the public.
Assessment: The Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) or relevant authorities assess nominations using established criteria. This evaluation looks for evidence of rarity, uniqueness, educational, and research values.
Registration: If the site meets the required standards, it is added to the official Register of Geoheritage Sites in Western Australia. Sites determined to be of exceptional and vulnerable significance may be proclaimed as geoheritage reserves (which are state-classified C Reserves).
Management: Each listed site (especially geoheritage reserves) receives a dedicated management plan that identifies permitted and restricted activities. Protecting these sites may involve bans on mining, prospecting, sampling, and even public access, unless specifically permitted.
Statutory Protection and Advocacy: Some sites are also recognised by community organisations such as the National Trust, which keeps a non-statutory register of geoconservation and cultural sites, although formal protection is offered only through official registers and state legislation.

Additional Considerations

Publicly nominated sites undergo review and may require supporting documentation, including scientific studies or evidence of unique features.
Consult with the relevant government department for guidance on site eligibility, the specific nomination process, and information required for assessment.

These processes ensure that significant geological sites in Western Australia are rigorously assessed, protected, and, where appropriate, managed for public benefit, conservation, and research.