Overview
The Australian Heritage Council (AHC) is currently assessing Binthi Warra Indigenous Heritage Places ‘Thaman’ and ‘Yirmbal’ (Binthi Warra) for possible inclusion in the National Heritage List.
The AHC invites comments to inform its assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Our National Heritage List is a record of places that shape Australia’s identity. To be included in the list, places must have ‘outstanding heritage value’ in one or more categories:
natural
Indigenous
historic.
Nominated places must meet one or more of 9 National Heritage List criteria.
Potential National Heritage values
The AHC has found Binthi Warra might have National Heritage values under criteria (a), (b), (c), (e), (g) and (i).
This is based on a preliminary assessment showing potential National Heritage values. The proposed National Heritage listing and the assessed values are now open for consultation.
Criterion (a): For the story of the Guugu Yimithirr’s internment during World War II. The forced removal from Country represents a unique narrative of forced transportation by the Armed Forces of the time. This was in response to allegations of the community aiding and abetting enemy forces amidst the growing national fears of the threat of invasion.
Criterion (b): For its rarity of its coastal dune systems. The sand country of Cape Bedford and Cape Flattery is noted to contain some of the best/most intact examples of large elongate parabolic dunes and coastal dune lakes in Cape York.
Criterion (c): For the dune systems’ high potential and value as a research site.
Criterion (e): For its aesthetic characteristics relating to the pristine dune systems and associated landforms within the area. The Binthi Warra clan of the Guugu Yimithirr people hold this place in high regard for its striking and spiritually significant natural features. The Country displays an exceptional aesthetic that is deeply valued by the community, reflecting both its pristine condition and enduring cultural importance.
Criterion (g): For the Guugu Yimithirr’s strong association with the place for cultural and spiritual reasons.
Criterion (i): For its importance as a place of considerable cultural and natural significance to the Guugu Yimithirr people.
Consultation documents
National Heritage Assessment of Binthi Warra Fact Sheet [PDF 595KB]
National Heritage Assessment of Binthi Warra Fact Sheet [DOCX 651KB]
Binthi Warra: Heritage Nomination Cultural Places map [PDF 750KB]
Have your say
The AHC invites feedback on whether Binthi Warra:
meets any of the National Heritage criteria
should be considered for inclusion on the National Heritage List.
To have your say:
read the fact sheet to understand the proposed National Heritage values
answer the survey questions and/or include a written submission.
Submit your feedback by 5:00pm AEST on Friday, 31 July 2026.
The AHC will consider your feedback. It will then make a recommendation to the Minister for the Environment and Water on the proposed National Heritage listing.
