Advisory Committees and Liaison Groups

Management of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is very complex. The Area has a variety of tenures and uses. There are also about 300 neighbours to the Area and a growing regional population and tourism industry. The primary management approach is one of partnerships - including the community in management of the Area and sharing the benefits. There is a commitment to ongoing consultation with the community on all matters which may affect them.

The Authority works through three statutory advisory committes - the Community Consultative Committee, the Scientific Advisory Committee and the Rainforest Aboriginal Advisory Committee. The Board has also appointed two stakeholder liaision groups - the Tourism Industry Liaison Group and the Conservation Sector Liaison Group. Authority staff also serve as members on a wide variety of local stakeholder committees and groups.

 
Community Consultative Committee (CCC)

The Community Consultative Committee advises the Authority of the views of the wider community on issues relating to World Heritage management. The advice includes all community related aspects ranging from local reactions to specific management issues, to general advice on how the Authority can best interact with residents. Members of the committee come from a broad range of backgrounds including conservation, education, tourism, rural, scientific, recreation and local government. They are appointed by the Board for a period of three years and meet at least four times a year to discuss the latest issues, policies and activities relating to the World Heritage Area.

Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC)

The Scientific Advisory Committee advises the Board on scientific matters relevant to managing World Heritage Area. Members of the scientific community nominate for the committee and are appointed by the Board every three years. The committee meets several times a year to identify and evaluate research needs in all areas of science including the social, biological and physical sciences. The committee also evaluates the effectiveness of the Authority's management and may also be called upon to examine and advise on development proposals and perceived threats to the World Heritage Area.

 
Rainforest Aboriginal Advisory Committee (RAAC)

The Rainforest Aboriginal Advisory Committee advises the Board on Aboriginal matters relating to World Heritage management. Members of the committee are appointed by the Board for a one year period. They represent the 18 Aboriginal tribal groups who have lands in the World Heritage Area. The committee meets four times each year before Board meetings to provide advice on Board papers and other matters of concern to Rainforest Aboriginal people in the World Heritage Area.

 
Tourism Industry Liaison Group (TILG)

This group provides a regular forum for the tourism industry, the Authority and land management agencies to discuss and, where possible, resolve tourism issues related to the World Heritage Area. Members are nominated by key industry groups and the group has no more than 15 members at one time. They meet at least three times a year and serve a three year term.

 
Conservation Sector Liaison Group (CSLG)

The Conservation Sector Liaison Group provides a regular forum for key conservation groups and the Authority to identify and discuss issues relating to the World Heritage Area. Members are nominated by relevant and key conservation groups and serve a three-year term. There are no more than 15 members at any one time, and they meet at least three times a year.

 
Cassowary Advisory Group (CAG)

The Cassowary Advisory Group advises the Authority and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on a range of cassowary conservation issues. Membership includes key cassowary conservation groups, the wildlife industry, local authorities, government departments and concerned members of the public.