National Trust Seeks 'Endangered Places' Partner

Media Release - Canberra, 26 November 2002

The Australian Council of National Trusts (ACNT) has announced today in Canberra that it is looking for a sponsor for its renowned annual Endangered Places List.

ACNT Executive Officer Alan Graham says it is a sign of the times.

"The National Trust's Endangered Places List was first launched in 1998 as a response to community concerns that heritage places remain threatened despite the existing legislative regimes throughout Australia," said Mr Graham. Adding: "We simply don't have the funding to publicise the list more thoroughly. We need sponsorship dollars to drive public awareness of Endangered Places in Australia"

The launch of the Endangered Places List is now a significant annual media event, staged every August. The launch also provides an opportunity to enhance public appreciation and understanding of Australia's cultural, natural and built heritage.

Mr Graham says Endangered Places are chosen because of the immediacy of the threat caused by damage or destruction, neglect or abandonment, lack of maintenance, inappropriate development and management, and redevelopment.

"While the National Trust's Endangered Places List has no legal powers, it has been persuasive in making the relevant authorities respond to National Trust and/or community concerns. Listing has positively assisted in securing successful heritage conservation outcomes," said Mr Graham. "Outcomes, successful or otherwise, are reported each year in the Endangered Places Report Card, which is publicly released shortly before the launch of that year's list."

Nominations of endangered natural and cultural heritage places are invited each year from state and territory National Trusts and community-based conservation groups throughout the country.

The National Trust movement in Australia consists of eight State and Territory Trusts - each a not-for-profit, charitable, conservation organisation dedicated to the conservation of Australia's heritage.

There are approximately 80 000 members of the National Trust in Australia, and over 7000 volunteers. The Trust owns or manages more than 280 heritage properties, 182 of which are open to the public.

For more information contact:
Alan Graham Executive Officer Australian Council of National Trusts
14/71 Constitution Avenue Canberra ACT 2612
(02) 6247 6766 Mobile: 0402 350 767