A New Approval Process for Major Geotourism Projects Under Review

''A New Approval Process for Major GeotourismA New Approval Process for Major Geotourism
Projects under Review'Projects under Review'
SEGRA 2018, 24th October 2018SEGRA 2018, 24th October 2018
Angus M RobinsonAngus M Robinson
Chair, Geotourism Standing CommitteeChair, Geotourism Standing Committee
Geological Society of AustraliaGeological Society of Australia
Source: Savannah GuidesSource: Savannah Guides

Today’s AgendaToday’s Agenda
 What is GeotourismWhat is Geotourism
 Pre-Aspiring Geopark Development in AustraliaPre-Aspiring Geopark Development in Australia
 Community Issues and ConcernsCommunity Issues and Concerns
 Sustainability and Community EngagementSustainability and Community Engagement
 Geotrails and Georegional AssessmentGeotrails and Georegional Assessment
 Take-AwaysTake-Aways

Ecotourism and Geotourism ConceptsEcotourism and Geotourism Concepts
 Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourismecologically sustainable tourism
with a primary focus on experiencing naturalexperiencing natural
areasareas that fosters environmental and cultural
understanding, appreciation and conservation.
 But ecotourismecotourism per se is too narrowly defined and is
increasingly seen as a niche marketniche market, particularly
from a chinese perspective.
 However,'geotourismgeotourism is tourism which focuses on anis tourism which focuses on an
area's geology & landscape as the basis for providingarea's geology & landscape as the basis for providing
visitor engagement, learning and enjoyment'.visitor engagement, learning and enjoyment'.

GeotourismGeotourism (a(after Dowling, 2013)fter Dowling, 2013)
comprises the following features of natural & culturalcomprises the following features of natural & cultural
heritage:heritage:
1.1. AAbioticbiotic – non-living aspects such as the climate &– non-living aspects such as the climate &
geology e.g. landscape and landforms:geology e.g. landscape and landforms: GEODIVERSITYGEODIVERSITY
2.2. BBioticiotic – the living parts eg. fauna (animals) and– the living parts eg. fauna (animals) and
flora (plants):flora (plants): BIODIVERSITYBIODIVERSITY
3.3. CCulturalultural – past & present, non-living & built– past & present, non-living & built
Holistic in scope,Holistic in scope, geotourism is the key drivergeotourism is the key driver for Geoparks,for Geoparks,
Geotrails and even World Heritage Areas,Geotrails and even World Heritage Areas, and is booming globally!and is booming globally!

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Geotourism – diversity of places

Geotourism Delivery MechanismsGeotourism Delivery Mechanisms
1.1. GeoparksGeoparks- both national and UNESCO global- both national and UNESCO global
2.2. GeotrailsGeotrails
3.3. GeologicalGeological Time WalksTime Walks

UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKSUNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS
IISS A GEOPARK JUST ABOUT GEOLOGY?A GEOPARK JUST ABOUT GEOLOGY?
No!No! While a geopark must demonstrate geological heritage of internationalWhile a geopark must demonstrate geological heritage of international
significance,significance, the purpose of a geopark is to explore, develop and celebrate thethe purpose of a geopark is to explore, develop and celebrate the
links between that geological heritage and all other aspects of the areas natural,links between that geological heritage and all other aspects of the areas natural,
cultural and intangible heritagescultural and intangible heritages. It is about reconnecting human society at allIt is about reconnecting human society at all
levels to the planet we all call home and to celebrate how our planet and it’slevels to the planet we all call home and to celebrate how our planet and it’s
4,600 million year long history has shaped every aspect of our lives and our4,600 million year long history has shaped every aspect of our lives and our
societies.societies.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areassingle, unified geographical areas
where sites and landscapes of international geological significanceinternational geological significance
are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education andmanaged with a holistic concept of protection, education and
sustainable developmentsustainable development.

Global Geoparks vs National ParksGlobal Geoparks vs National Parks
 Unlike World Heritage Areas and national parksUnlike World Heritage Areas and national parks,,
Global GeoparksGlobal Geoparks can embracecan embrace both protected andboth protected and
any resource extraction areas,any resource extraction areas, focusing onfocusing on
sustainable development objectives.sustainable development objectives.
 Global GeoparksGlobal Geoparks focus onfocus on community engagementcommunity engagement
and ownership.and ownership.
 Whilst national parks are created in perpetuity,Whilst national parks are created in perpetuity, thethe
status of global geoparks are reviewed every 4status of global geoparks are reviewed every 4
yearsyears..
 In AustraliaIn Australia, national parks focus generally only on, national parks focus generally only on
biodiversity at the expense of geological heritage.biodiversity at the expense of geological heritage.

Socio-Economic Benefits of Geopark DevelopmentSocio-Economic Benefits of Geopark Development
1.1. Measurable economic benefits -Measurable economic benefits - additional visitors, direct &additional visitors, direct &
regional economic output, household income & wages, andregional economic output, household income & wages, and
local employment.local employment.
2.2. Through establishment of a management entity,Through establishment of a management entity, higher levelhigher level
of centralised coordinationof centralised coordination in areas of product development,in areas of product development,
travel and hospitality services, tourism promotion/branding.travel and hospitality services, tourism promotion/branding.
3.3. Maximisation of sustainable development and management ofMaximisation of sustainable development and management of
'over tourism''over tourism'/e.g. emerging issue in Tasmania./e.g. emerging issue in Tasmania.
4.4. Provides aProvides a framework for focus on the 10 UNESCO Topicsframework for focus on the 10 UNESCO Topics e.g.e.g.
culture, education, climate change, geoconservation,culture, education, climate change, geoconservation,
sustainable development etc.sustainable development etc.
5.5. Through its defined mission,Through its defined mission,community engagement iscommunity engagement is
maximised and measured.maximised and measured.

Warrumbungle
Etheridge
Cairns
Australia’s Pre-Aspiring UNESCO GlobalAustralia’s Pre-Aspiring UNESCO Global
Geopark Development Efforts, 2017/2018Geopark Development Efforts, 2017/2018

Status of Pre-Aspiring UNESCO Global GeoparksStatus of Pre-Aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks
 Pre-Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark proposals arePre-Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark proposals are
those undergoing assessment to obtain community &those undergoing assessment to obtain community &
government supportgovernment support PRIOR to any applicationPRIOR to any application..
 EtheridgeEtheridge Scenic Area is a ‘defacto geopark’ and isScenic Area is a ‘defacto geopark’ and is
nownow NOTNOT subject to any assessment process.subject to any assessment process.
 TheThe WarrumbungleWarrumbungle Pre-Aspiring UNESCO GlobalPre-Aspiring UNESCO Global
GeoparkGeopark proposal has been abandonedproposal has been abandoned and insteadand instead
has been replaced by a strategy to engage with thehas been replaced by a strategy to engage with the
GSNSW to develop anGSNSW to develop an alternative geotourismalternative geotourism
strategystrategy for the region.for the region.

Etheridge ‘Defacto’ Geopark, QueenslandEtheridge ‘Defacto’ Geopark, Queensland
Comprising theComprising the entire Shire ofentire Shire of
EtheridgeEtheridge, and including areas, and including areas
of outstanding volcanic andof outstanding volcanic and
mining heritage - some 40,000mining heritage - some 40,000
sq km in area.sq km in area.
Embracing 1.7 billion years ofEmbracing 1.7 billion years of
geological history.geological history.
Only 950 people, mainly cattleOnly 950 people, mainly cattle
farmers.farmers.

Etheridge Scenic Area – A ‘Defacto’ GeoparkEtheridge Scenic Area – A ‘Defacto’ Geopark
 GeositesGeosites –– In abundance, with Undara as a global icon.In abundance, with Undara as a global icon.
 Geo villagesGeo villages –– Four small townships, all with communityFour small townships, all with community
engaged geosites (including agate, sapphire and gold fields);engaged geosites (including agate, sapphire and gold fields);
key establishedkey established ecotourism resortsecotourism resorts of Undara & Cobboldof Undara & Cobbold
Gorge.Gorge.
 GeotrailsGeotrails –– The Savannah Way (The Savannah Way (Lava tubes, Gems and GorgesLava tubes, Gems and Gorges
TrailTrail) with connections to nearby mining heritage locations.) with connections to nearby mining heritage locations.
 National ParksNational Parks –– Undara Volcanic Park & six other park areas.Undara Volcanic Park & six other park areas.
 TerrEstrial Mineral/Fossil MuseumTerrEstrial Mineral/Fossil Museum–– Most significant mineralMost significant mineral
museum in Qld.museum in Qld.
 ManyMany heritage mining sitesheritage mining sites & small gold mining operations& small gold mining operations
underscores Etheridge’s status of one Australia’s mostunderscores Etheridge’s status of one Australia’s most
diversified mineralised areas.diversified mineralised areas.

Assessment Process – Etheridge ProjectAssessment Process – Etheridge Project
1.1. Appointment of both aAppointment of both a Geotourism AdvisoryGeotourism Advisory
CommitteeCommittee and aand a Geoscience & Mineral HeritageGeoscience & Mineral Heritage
Reference GroupReference Group..
2.2. Consultation with all key stakeholders (e.g.Consultation with all key stakeholders (e.g.
indigenous communitiesindigenous communities, national parks, tourism, national parks, tourism
resorts) undertaking individual self- assessments.resorts) undertaking individual self- assessments.
3.3. Consultation with key State Government agencies.Consultation with key State Government agencies.
4.4. Community consultationCommunity consultation – information bulletins,– information bulletins,
public meetings involving Shire Councillors.public meetings involving Shire Councillors.
A relatively short 12 month period allowed for theA relatively short 12 month period allowed for the
assessment and application completion process.assessment and application completion process.

Community Raised Issues – Etheridge ProjectCommunity Raised Issues – Etheridge Project
1.1. National Parks, indigenous groups, and residents of townshipsNational Parks, indigenous groups, and residents of townships
are very supportiveare very supportive, because they understand the economic, because they understand the economic
benefits of tourism.benefits of tourism.
2.2. However,However, agricultural, small scale mining groups & gemstoneagricultural, small scale mining groups & gemstone
fossickers not supportivefossickers not supportive with a vigorous programwith a vigorous program
implemented to dissuade Council from finalising theimplemented to dissuade Council from finalising the
applicationapplication because a Global Geopark upsets the status quo!because a Global Geopark upsets the status quo!
3.3. Issues raised were essentiallyIssues raised were essentially fears of UNESCO control, morefears of UNESCO control, more
environmental regulationenvironmental regulation and increased levels of tourism.and increased levels of tourism.
4.4. The labels ofThe labels of UNESCO, GEOPARK, EcotourismUNESCO, GEOPARK, Ecotourism etc raised aetc raised a
range of concerns and fears.range of concerns and fears.

Basis of Landowner Resistance to the then Pre-Basis of Landowner Resistance to the then Pre-
Aspiring Etheridge Global GeoparkAspiring Etheridge Global Geopark
1. The proposed UNESCO affiliation promoted a1. The proposed UNESCO affiliation promoted a fear of
further regulation and restrictions curbing currentcurbing current
and future activities and potentially leading to aand future activities and potentially leading to a
World Heritage Listing.World Heritage Listing.
2. The2. The large area of the applicationlarge area of the application across the wholeacross the whole
Shire which included large land tracts which wereShire which included large land tracts which were
considered unlikely to be of interest for tourism.considered unlikely to be of interest for tourism.
33. The use of the term ‘geopark’. The use of the term ‘geopark’ which was interpretedwhich was interpreted
by many to imply some form of existing or potentialby many to imply some form of existing or potential
environmental protection (aligned to an expandedenvironmental protection (aligned to an expanded
national parks network).national parks network).

Sustainability & Community EngagementSustainability & Community Engagement
Etheridge ‘Defacto Geopark’Etheridge ‘Defacto Geopark’
 Emulating a program being undertaken in the UnitedEmulating a program being undertaken in the United
Kingdom, it is proposed that aKingdom, it is proposed that a ‘geovillage’ approach be‘geovillage’ approach be
adopted for the Shire of Etheridgeadopted for the Shire of Etheridge; thus enabling individual; thus enabling individual
townships to take unique ownership of any activity e.g.townships to take unique ownership of any activity e.g.
community operated museum atcommunity operated museum at Herberton, FarNQHerberton, FarNQ which haswhich has
a natural or cultural heritage characteristic.a natural or cultural heritage characteristic.
 Two of the small townships have strong associations withTwo of the small townships have strong associations with
agates and gems, and another has strong mining industryagates and gems, and another has strong mining industry
heritage. The main township ,Georgetown, already has theheritage. The main township ,Georgetown, already has the
TerrEstrial Centre mineral and fossil museumTerrEstrial Centre mineral and fossil museum which mightwhich might
benefit from even a higher level of community involvementbenefit from even a higher level of community involvement
and the recently establishedand the recently established Peace MonumentPeace Monument has alreadyhas already
made its mark.made its mark.

Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park, Taiwan
Herberton Mining Centre and Walking TrailsHerberton Mining Centre and Walking Trails

Etheridge Scenic Area – The Rationale forEtheridge Scenic Area – The Rationale for
A ‘Defacto’ GeoparkA ‘Defacto’ Geopark
 Council recognises that a ‘geotourism’ project should takeCouncil recognises that a ‘geotourism’ project should take
account ofaccount of ‘georegional’ characteristics based on geological‘georegional’ characteristics based on geological
and mining heritageand mining heritage and embraced principles that could serveand embraced principles that could serve
toto pre-qualify the area for a UNESCO application at somepre-qualify the area for a UNESCO application at some
future timefuture time, in other words meeting the designated, in other words meeting the designated
requirements of a ‘defacto’ geopark.requirements of a ‘defacto’ geopark.
 By raising awareness of the importance of the area’sBy raising awareness of the importance of the area’s
geological heritage in history & society today, Councilgeological heritage in history & society today, Council
believes that thisbelieves that this project must provide local communitiesproject must provide local communities
with a sense of pride in their region and strengthen theirwith a sense of pride in their region and strengthen their
identification with the area.identification with the area.

Pre-AspiringPre-Aspiring Warrumbungles UNESCO Global GeoparkWarrumbungles UNESCO Global Geopark
New South WalesNew South Wales
CurrentlyCurrently comprising the Shires of Warrumbungle,comprising the Shires of Warrumbungle,
Gilgandra and Coonamble, 27,000 sq kmGilgandra and Coonamble, 27,000 sq km

Pre -AspiringPre -Aspiring WarrumbunglesWarrumbungles
UNESCO Global GeoparkUNESCO Global Geopark
New South WalesNew South Wales
Outstanding MioceneOutstanding Miocene
Shield Volcano remnantShield Volcano remnant
landforms close to alandforms close to a
major coal developmentmajor coal development
area located in thearea located in the
Warrumbungles NationalWarrumbungles National
ParkPark (236 square km area)(236 square km area)
at theat the intersection of theintersection of the
three local governmentthree local government
areas.areas.

The Warrumbungle Geopark ‘Stumbling Block’The Warrumbungle Geopark ‘Stumbling Block’
 There is concern within the State Government GeologicalThere is concern within the State Government Geological
Survey that the establishment of any designation with someSurvey that the establishment of any designation with some
form of nominal ‘park’ status would result in land useform of nominal ‘park’ status would result in land use
conflicts with interests which are anti-mining in nature.conflicts with interests which are anti-mining in nature. TheThe
Survey would prefer that the geopark be contained onlySurvey would prefer that the geopark be contained only
within the National Park.within the National Park.
 One solution that was considered isOne solution that was considered is acceptance of theacceptance of the
Survey’s preferred option and developing geotrailsSurvey’s preferred option and developing geotrails to includeto include
other key landscapes (Mt Kaputar, Coolah Topsother key landscapes (Mt Kaputar, Coolah Tops) in the) in the
regional volcanic ‘georegion’.regional volcanic ‘georegion’.

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•
Identify a geoscience theme
•
Tell a simple story incorporating 'A' + 'B' +'C'
elements
•
Use engaging stories, descriptions and graphics
•
Deliver supporting information in a range of ways
•
Collaborate
•
Link to related features based on science and
culture
Desired outcomes
•
increased visitor numbers and regional economic
growth
•
a broader community understanding of science,
and in particular, geoscience.
Keys to success

Exemplar: Port Macquarie Coastal Geotrail, NSWExemplar: Port Macquarie Coastal Geotrail, NSW
"The collaborative geotrail project has been led by theThe collaborative geotrail project has been led by the University ofUniversity of
NewcastleNewcastle (A)(A) & supported by& supported by Port Macquarie-Hastings CouncilPort Macquarie-Hastings Council,, thethe
Geological Survey of NSWGeological Survey of NSW (A)(A),, NSW National Parks and Wildlife ServiceNSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
(B)(B) && Birpai Local Aboriginal Land CouncilBirpai Local Aboriginal Land Council (C)(C).. Supported by aSupported by a
brochure, website & smartphone appbrochure, website & smartphone app,, the Port Macquarie Coastalthe Port Macquarie Coastal
Geotrail is a four kilometre walk from Shelly Beach to Rocky BeachGeotrail is a four kilometre walk from Shelly Beach to Rocky Beach
thatthat tells the storytells the story of plate tectonics & how the Earth’s crust wasof plate tectonics & how the Earth’s crust was
formed along the stretch of coastline over the past 460 million years".formed along the stretch of coastline over the past 460 million years".

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Port Macquarie
Coastal Geotrail
•
Opened 2 May 2018.
•
Collaborative project with Uni of
Newcastle, Port Macquarie-
Hastings Council, OEH (Sea
Acres Rainforest Centre), Birpai
LALC.
•
Geotrail with signs, brochure, web
content and app.
•
Helped to train volunteers.

Why Geotrails?Why Geotrails?
1.1. Relates directly to the tourism experience of aRelates directly to the tourism experience of a
journey linking destinationsjourney linking destinations..
2.2. In Australia, unlike geoparks,In Australia, unlike geoparks, geotrails havegeotrails have
widespread appealwidespread appeal, and do not compete with or, and do not compete with or
impact on land management/access issues.impact on land management/access issues.
3.3. Geotrails are relatively easy to establish andGeotrails are relatively easy to establish and
represent arepresent a very cost effective means of enhancingvery cost effective means of enhancing
regional developmentregional development..
4.4. Can form the basis of a 'defacto geopark'.Can form the basis of a 'defacto geopark'.

Current & Potential Major Geotrail Projects in AustraliaCurrent & Potential Major Geotrail Projects in Australia
1.1. TasmaniaTasmania - Living Earth- Living Earth
2.2. QueenslandQueensland - Savannah Way, Dig the Tropics,- Savannah Way, Dig the Tropics,
Boulder Opal (Western Queensland)Boulder Opal (Western Queensland)
3.3. Victoria/SA - Kanawinka, Great Ocean RoadVictoria/SA - Kanawinka, Great Ocean Road
4.4. South Australia - Brachina Gorge,South Australia - Brachina Gorge, Great CentralGreat Central
Geotrail ProposalGeotrail Proposal
5.5. Western AustraliaWestern Australia - Murchison Proposal- Murchison Proposal
6.6. Northern TerritoryNorthern Territory - Red Centre Way, Savannah Way- Red Centre Way, Savannah Way
7.7. New South Wales -New South Wales - Volcano Geotrail ProposalVolcano Geotrail Proposal
Plus a wide range of smaller, dedicated geotrials
along walking tracks, old rail easementswalking tracks, old rail easements etc. being
developed in NSW, Tasmania, Qld, WA and SA.

Island of Tasmania
Australia’sAustralia’s Red Centre National LandscapeRed Centre National Landscape

Iconic Geotourism Themes ofIconic Geotourism Themes of
Australia’s Red Centre National LandscapeAustralia’s Red Centre National Landscape
 AA:: Landforms and common geological heritageLandforms and common geological heritage
 BB:: Red Kangaroo species, and other typeRed Kangaroo species, and other type
flora/faunaflora/fauna
 CC:: Indigenous (and European) cultureIndigenous (and European) culture

The Proposed Savannah Way Geotrail linked to the then Pre-Aspiring
Etheridge UNESCO Global Geopark

KANAWINKA GEOTRAIL
Volcanics landscapes, with 60 key geositesVolcanics landscapes, with 60 key geosites
located within intensive farming areaslocated within intensive farming areas

‘The Living Earth’ – Cradle Coast Geotrail

Marketing & Promotion - Living Earth GeotrailMarketing & Promotion - Living Earth Geotrail
The following markets & strategies will give the GeoTrailThe following markets & strategies will give the GeoTrail the best chance ofthe best chance of
achieving an increase in visitor stops & stays and associated revenue.achieving an increase in visitor stops & stays and associated revenue.
• engage the local communitiesengage the local communities of the Trail to build pride and referrals toof the Trail to build pride and referrals to
family, friends and visitors through involvement in content development,family, friends and visitors through involvement in content development,
familiarisations, progress reporting and ongoing promotion.familiarisations, progress reporting and ongoing promotion.
• engage the existing visitor marketengage the existing visitor market to increase the number of stops ando increase the number of stops and
stays through the development and promotion of online communicationsstays through the development and promotion of online communications
and a downloadable free mobile app.and a downloadable free mobile app.
• engage relevant specialist groups in the Trailengage relevant specialist groups in the Trail experienceexperience through use ofthrough use of
specific publications and newsletters.specific publications and newsletters.
• engage the potential education marketengage the potential education market through the development andthrough the development and
promotion of a regional education package involving the Trail and otherpromotion of a regional education package involving the Trail and other
relevant experiences.relevant experiences.

Best Practice GeotrailsBest Practice Geotrails
1.1. Should be constructed aroundShould be constructed around routes currently usedroutes currently used
by touristsby tourists; geotrails should form logical journeys; geotrails should form logical journeys
linking accommodation destinations.linking accommodation destinations.
2.2. ShouldShould meld the geological heritage features of ameld the geological heritage features of a
region with a cohesive STORY.region with a cohesive STORY.
3.3. ShouldShould incorporate and package in the biodiversityincorporate and package in the biodiversity
and cultural components (including mining heritage)and cultural components (including mining heritage)
of the region through which the geotrail traverses.of the region through which the geotrail traverses.
4.4. Supported bySupported by leading edge interpretationleading edge interpretation aids.aids.

Georegions, Geotrails and GeoparksGeoregions, Geotrails and Geoparks
In large regional areas such as the Murchison in WesternIn large regional areas such as the Murchison in Western
Australia, the Murchison Development Commission and localAustralia, the Murchison Development Commission and local
councils are undertaking acouncils are undertaking a ‘georegional’ assessment‘georegional’ assessment includingincluding
the determination of the mostthe determination of the most viable geotourism deliveryviable geotourism delivery
mechanism availablemechanism available, which in the first instance is focused on, which in the first instance is focused on
geotrail developmentgeotrail development, and may lead to the i, and may lead to the identification ofdentification of
an area suitable for geopark developmentan area suitable for geopark development, subject to State, subject to State
Government approval.Government approval.

Proposed Major Geotourism Project Approval ProcessProposed Major Geotourism Project Approval Process
 Undertake a 'Georegional' Assessment including anndertake a 'Georegional' Assessment including an
assessment of the most viable geotourism deliveryassessment of the most viable geotourism delivery
mechanism available.mechanism available.
 SShould a geopark option be favoured instead of the need forhould a geopark option be favoured instead of the need for
geotrails, initiate discussions with thegeotrails, initiate discussions with the StateState GeologicalGeological
SurveySurvey and relevant planning agencies toand relevant planning agencies to obtain approval 'inobtain approval 'in
principle'principle'.. Undertake economic benefit studies as may beUndertake economic benefit studies as may be
required.required.
 Initiate extensive community consultation and finalise anyInitiate extensive community consultation and finalise any
stipulated nomination documentation forstipulated nomination documentation for formal approval offormal approval of
the State Governmentthe State Government.

Recommendations - Eurobodalla Shire CouncilRecommendations - Eurobodalla Shire Council
 Any geopark proposal should, in the early stages of geoparkAny geopark proposal should, in the early stages of geopark
assessment, adopt a nomenclature which removes referenceassessment, adopt a nomenclature which removes reference
to the word ‘geopark’ andto the word ‘geopark’ and focus instead on communicatingfocus instead on communicating
the concept of a ‘georegion’.the concept of a ‘georegion’.
 Undertake a full audit of natural and cultural heritageUndertake a full audit of natural and cultural heritage
attributes in the region as well as early discussions with theattributes in the region as well as early discussions with the
Geological Survey of NSWGeological Survey of NSW,, the Department of Planning andthe Department of Planning and
Environment, and the NSW National Parks and WildlifeEnvironment, and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife
Service, and any other state government agencies.Service, and any other state government agencies.
 Develop aDevelop a close relationship with the ‘Australia’s Coastalclose relationship with the ‘Australia’s Coastal
Wilderness’ National LandscapeWilderness’ National Landscape andand Sapphire Coast TourismSapphire Coast Tourism..
 Seek out potential collaboration opportunities withSeek out potential collaboration opportunities with ChineseChinese
UNESCO Global Geoparks.UNESCO Global Geoparks.

Take-Aways - Geopark Development in AustraliaTake-Aways - Geopark Development in Australia
 More focusMore focus needs to be appliedneeds to be applied to communicatingto communicating
the ‘georegionalthe ‘georegional’ nature of geoparks.’ nature of geoparks.
 More work is needed to overcomeMore work is needed to overcome perceived fearsperceived fears
about the detrimental impact of geoparksabout the detrimental impact of geoparks on otheron other
existing land users such as miners and farmers.existing land users such as miners and farmers.
 Geopark proposalsGeopark proposals must be supported by Geologicalmust be supported by Geological
Survey communitiesSurvey communities..
 More time must be allowedMore time must be allowed to gain communityto gain community
engagement/support to ensure geoparkengagement/support to ensure geopark
sustainability.sustainability.
 Need toNeed to compile and promote quantifiable data andcompile and promote quantifiable data and
analysis to establish socio-economic benefit.analysis to establish socio-economic benefit.

A Proposed Geopark Approval ProcessA Proposed Geopark Approval Process
STAGE TWOSTAGE TWO:
1.1. Initiate extensive community consultation and finalise stipulatedInitiate extensive community consultation and finalise stipulated
nomination documentation fornomination documentation for formal approval of the State Governmentformal approval of the State Government.
2.2. Submit the proposal to aSubmit the proposal to a proposed tripartite assessment bodyproposed tripartite assessment body comprisingcomprising
representatives of UNESCO, the Australian Government and a geosciencerepresentatives of UNESCO, the Australian Government and a geoscience
reference group.reference group.
IF APPROVED, DURING THE SECOND STAGEIF APPROVED, DURING THE SECOND STAGE, lodge alodge a letter of intentletter of intent withwith
the Australian UNESCO representative andthe Australian UNESCO representative and then the nominationthen the nomination
documentationdocumentation bby the stipulated deadline.y the stipulated deadline.
TO UNDERPIN THIS PROCESS, AUSTRALIA NEEDS TO DEVELOP AND GETTO UNDERPIN THIS PROCESS, AUSTRALIA NEEDS TO DEVELOP AND GET
APPROVAL BY THE AUSTRALIAN & STATE/TERRITORY GOVERNMENTS FORAPPROVAL BY THE AUSTRALIAN & STATE/TERRITORY GOVERNMENTS FOR
A NATIONAL GEOTOURISM STRATEGY.A NATIONAL GEOTOURISM STRATEGY.

UNESCO Global Geopark and SustainabilityUNESCO Global Geopark and Sustainability
‘‘Even if an area has outstanding, world-famous geologicalEven if an area has outstanding, world-famous geological
heritage of outstanding universal valueheritage of outstanding universal value it cannot be ait cannot be a
UNESCO Global Geopark unless the area also has a plan forUNESCO Global Geopark unless the area also has a plan for
the sustainable development of the people who live there.’the sustainable development of the people who live there.’
‘‘Unless a UNESCO Global Geopark has the support of localUnless a UNESCO Global Geopark has the support of local
people it will not succeedpeople it will not succeed. UNESCO Global Geopark status. UNESCO Global Geopark status
does not imply restrictions on any economic activity inside adoes not imply restrictions on any economic activity inside a
UNESCO Global Geopark where that activity complies withUNESCO Global Geopark where that activity complies with
indigenous, local, regional and/or national legislation.’indigenous, local, regional and/or national legislation.’
Source: UNESCO Global Geopark Brochure

Take-AwaysTake-Aways
Major Geotourism Development in AustraliaMajor Geotourism Development in Australia
 More focusMore focus needs to be appliedneeds to be applied to communicatingto communicating
the ‘georegionalthe ‘georegional’ nature of geotourism.’ nature of geotourism.
 Preferred focus first onPreferred focus first on geotrailgeotrail developmentdevelopment
 Any emerging geopark proposalsAny emerging geopark proposals must be supportedmust be supported
by Geological Survey communitiesby Geological Survey communities..
 More time must be allowedMore time must be allowed to gain communityto gain community
engagement/support to ensure geoparkengagement/support to ensure geopark
sustainability.sustainability.
 Need toNeed to compile and promote quantifiable data andcompile and promote quantifiable data and
analysis to establish socio-economic benefit.analysis to establish socio-economic benefit.

Contact DetailsContact Details
angus@leisuresolutions.com.auangus@leisuresolutions.com.au
Tel: + 61 418 488 340Tel: + 61 418 488 340
http://www.leisuresolutions.com.au/index.php/geotourism-industry-groups/http://www.leisuresolutions.com.au/index.php/geotourism-industry-groups/
Information about Australian Geotourism Development Activities:Information about Australian Geotourism Development Activities:
https://tinyurl.com/yb7yceyhhttps://tinyurl.com/yb7yceyh

A New Approval Process for Major Geotourism Projects Under Review

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