Celebrating 20 years as a City within a World Heritage Area

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Greater Blue Mountains region being granted World Heritage status by the United Nations. 

Inclusion on this list in 2000, put the Greater Blue Mountains area in the company of other world attractions like Mt Everest, the Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China. 

Blue Mountains City Council will mark this important milestone from July to December 2020, by celebrating the unique privilege of managing a City within a World Heritage Area.

“As one of only two cities in the world situated within a World Heritage Area, the City of the Blue Mountains holds special significance around the world,” Mayor Mark Greenhill said.

“Sites which are protected under the UNESCO World Heritage List are defined as having ‘cultural and/or natural significance which is so exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of importance for.. all humanity’*.   “I was there the day it was announced and will never forget that moment. Managing an area of such spectacular natural beauty and cultural importance, is both a privilege and a unique responsibility.”

Over the next six months Council will showcase what it means to live in, and manage a City within a World Heritage Area. Each month, critical areas will be highlighted that emphasise how Council helps preserve an area of such special significance, including recognition of Traditional Ownership, protection of the environment and threatened species, water resource management and strategic planning.

“Council’s recognition of the importance of Aboriginal management and the partnership with the Traditional Owners of Blue Mountains City – the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples – informs much of how the natural environment, and significant sites of our local government area are managed,” Mayor Greenhill said.

“Council’s declaration of a climate emergency last year and target to become carbon neutral by the end of 2025, has also seen us emerge as leaders in the fight against climate change.”

Blue Mountains City Council Chief Executive Officer Rosemary Dillon said: “We are stewards of a World Heritage Area of international significance. As we strive to achieve a sustainable Blue Mountains, we are increasingly recognised as leaders in environmental management and sustainable urban living.

“By celebrating the important milestone of 20 years as a City within a World Heritage Area, there will be opportunities for the community to come together, to learn, share knowledge and celebrate the fact that we are all lucky enough to live in one of the most unique and beautiful places on earth.”

For more information go to: bmcc.nsw.gov.au/WHA

*Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention, July 2012.