Two prominent environmental groups have urged the Queensland Government to stay focused on protecting the cultural and natural values of Cape York Peninsula and not be distracted by the promises of the mining industry.

At the recent inaugural Cape York Regional Plan committee meeting in Cooktown, the Australian Conservation Foundation and the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre sought to clarify the Queensland Government’s commitment to protecting areas of international conservation significance.

“The journey of preparing a World Heritage nomination for appropriate areas of Cape York is well underway,” said ACF’s acting Northern Australia Program Manager Andrew Picone.

“We will be seeking clarification about how the regional planning process will interact with the World Heritage pathway,” he said.

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Sarah Hoyal, Coordinator of the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre said government support would allow enterprises to take advantage of a World Heritage nomination, while taking a swipe at the mining industry.

“The experiences of communities in many parts of Australia should make everyone in our region deeply sceptical that mining can provide the long-term social and economic returns to the region – there are plenty of other economic opportunities that should be properly explored,” Ms Hoyal said.

Her views were echoed by Mr Picone. “The mining industry is eager to get its hands on new areas of Cape York Peninsula, whether or not communities want it and whether or not it is compatible with a potential World Heritage nomination of appropriate areas," he said.