Protecting significant sites and speciesProtecting significant sites and species

Protecting significant sites and species

There may be varying perceptions of the significance and value of cultural sites among Aṉangu, park staff, stakeholders and visitors. Some sites have obvious cultural significance, such as rock art sites, but many other places have importance to Aṉangu which may appear insignificant to other people. Aṉangu want

to ensure that all significant sites and species within the park are recorded, maintained and protected from threats.

There are many threats that could impact significant sites. Fire can have severe impacts, particularly when there is a build-up of vegetation or weeds close to cultural sites (see the Fire management section below). Wasps and termites can damage rock art by building nests and tunnels over rock faces, and water flowing over or seeping through rocks may also cause damage to images. Introduced animals such as camels

can disturb or damage waterholes, and introduced weeds can overcome native plants and result in loss of habitat for native animals and bush foods for Aṉangu.

In some areas of the park, erosion is also an issue that can affect significant sites and native vegetation. Roads and tracks can alter natural surface contours, redirecting rainfall which results in erosion and changes vegetative (including weed) growth. For example, the road around Uluṟu was built above the natural ground level in some places which has altered the sheet water flow and resulted in erosion.

Significant gully erosion also occurred around the base of Uluṟu due to uncontrolled vehicle use by early visitors, though most of the most heavily eroded sites have now been rehabilitated.

Excavation and mining operations in the park (including fossicking and introduction, disturbance or removal of earth materials) are subject to the EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations and this management plan. As mining is not compatible with the park’s World Heritage listing it is prohibited (refer to sections 3.2.5 to 3.2.8).

Visitor access and use of the park can have negative effects on significant sites if they are not managed properly. Dust accumulation on rock faces, rubbish, crowding and noise can impact sites and wildlife.

Although limited, vandalism on rocks around Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa has required removal and treatment of graffiti. Under the EPBC Regulations, visitors are prohibited from removing rocks, stones or sand as souvenirs from the park. Visitors who have taken these things earlier often return them to the park with a

letter of apology (these are called ‘sorry rocks’). There are also strong concerns among Aṉangu about the unauthorised access to, or photography of, sacred or restricted areas.

To mitigate these threats, Parks Australia undertakes fire management, invasive species control, erosion mitigation and manages visitor access. Significant sites are also protected through maintenance, monitoring, and by restricting visitor access to significant areas. Interpretative signage and re-routing of walking tracks are also implemented to keep visitors away from sensitive areas.