Statement – Kerry Houston, 7 September 2023
Nation ‘nuts’ for Stanley
Each year, the Australian Government calls for nominations of places with outstanding significance to the nation for inclusion in the National Heritage List.
Locals nominated the Stanley Nut and the volcanic features of the Stanley Peninsula. The National Heritage Council and Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Federal Minister for the Environment, have supported the nomination and included the sites on the National Heritage Assessment List.1
The Stanley Peninsula sites are the only Tasmanian places on the Assessment List and will now be considered for possible inclusion on our list of Australia’s pre-eminent heritage sites. Feedback will be sought from stakeholders before a final decision is made.
The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, says “Australians know the value of our special places – natural places, built icons and Indigenous places. We visit them, we live near them and they help to shape our national identity.”2.
The assessment states: “The geology and landscape of The Nut and nearby volcanic features are unique in Australia and are an important geomorphological area for the nation. Some of the features are the only documented examples in the world.” 3
Local Kerry Houston, owner-operator of multi award-winning Ship Inn Stanley, worked on the nomination and stated, “It is commendable that our Tasmanian Minister for Parks supported our nomination, which is now two years into the nomination process. It has been an incredible journey to demonstrate the importance of this stunning landscape, one which is unique in the nation and worthy of national recognition.”
“To have the Nut and volcanic features of the Stanley peninsula in the running for National Heritage Listing is something all Tasmanians can be proud of,” Ms Houston said.
The Stanley Nut has long captivated both locals and visitors alike. “If the Nut receives National Heritage Listing, the region is expected to receive increased attention from tourists and nature enthusiasts from across the country and around the world,” Ms Houston said.
Tourists are important to Stanley. Next week in Canberra the winner of the Australian Tourism Industry Council’s Top Tiny Tourism Town will be announced, with Stanley also in the running for this prestigious award. 4
1. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/parks-heritage/heritage/places/priority-assessment
2. https://www.tanyaplibersek.com/media/media-releases/nominations-open-for-australia-s-heritage-lists/
3. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/parks-heritage/heritage/places/priority-assessment
