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27 October 2000 — 00/491

Geoscience Australia's Kakadu and Nitmiluk Guidebook launched

The Hon Warren Entsch MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Science and Resources today officially launched a guidebook detailing the geology, landforms, plants, Aboriginal culture and exploration history of the Kakadu and Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Parks.

In launching the book at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Mr Entsch said Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks Northern Territory: a guide to the rocks, landforms, plants, animals, Aboriginal culture, and human impact is an impressive study of one of Australia's greatest world heritage areas.

"Features of the guidebook include explanations of prominent geological formations found along the access and walking tracks, information about places to visit, camping facilities, and even suggestions of how to plan, and get the most out of your holiday," he said.

"The World Heritage listing of Kakadu recognised the extent and richness of the wetlands and associated wildlife, as well as the quality and variety of the Aboriginal rock art in the park which constitutes one of the longest unbroken historical records of any group of people in the world."

Northern Territory Senator, The Hon Grant Tambling, also welcomed the launch of the guidebook, saying it had been written using language and terms everyone could understand.

"The Guidebook highlights the strong relationships between geology, landform, soil, climate, vegetation and wildlife in both parks, and features the aerial and ground photography of Ian Oswald-Jacobs, one of Australia's foremost landscape photographers. It will certainly assist park management as well as the tourism industry, and is also valuable as an educational publication used to promote, advance and support the earth sciences within the scientific and wider communities," Senator Tambling said.

The guidebook was produced by Geoscience Australia in collaboration the Northern Territory Geological Survey, Environment Australia, Parks Australia, and the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory and with the support of the Geological Society of Australia and Energy Resources of Australia (ERA).

Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks Northern Territory: a guide to the rocks, landforms, plants, animals, Aboriginal culture, and human impact is available from our Sales Centre for $22.50