Who will be the partners in the How does a Geopark happen? Warrumbungle Geopark? UNESCO accepts applications for Global Geopark status in Strong partnerships between stakeholders are essential November each year. The Steering Committee aims to Pre-Aspiring UNESCO to the success of UNESCO Global Geoparks. At a mini- submit an Expression of Interest to UNESCO by July 2017 Global Geopark mum, this should include the local governments around for the 2017 intake, and then the final application will be A shared project of the , the Warrumbungle National Park (Coonamble, Gil- submitted for assessment in November. But there is a lot Gilgandra and Warrumbungle Shires gandra, and Warrumbungle Shires), Regional Develop- of work to be done before this can happen. ment (RDA) , the NSW National Parks Extensive consultation with stakeholders and the wider and Wildlife Service, Siding Spring Observatory, and community is an important part of this process, along with local indigenous communities. As we progress our appli- gathering information about the landscape, its natural and cation, we expect that other partners will choose to join built history, biodiversity and culture. From this infor- us, including local and regional tourism organisations. mation and discussions with the community, prospects can be identified to expand on current offerings and develop new economic opportunities.

Coonamble Shire

Siding Spring Observatory sits atop the Warrumbungle Range and is Australia’s leading optical astronomy research facility. W Warrumbungle National Park The Region is Australia’s first Dark Sky Park. a WARRUMBUNGLEWarrumbungle ShireNATIONAL PARK r GilgandraGilgandra Shire Shire r u Geo from them Greek gê, meaning “the earth”

Fossils and Crystals formed from volcanic action of the Warrumbungle and Garrawilla Volcanoes are displayed for all of us to learn about the For information contact Aileen Bell at Warrumbungle Shire Council geology and history of the region on 6849 2000.or to learn more about other geoparks visit www: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ earthor www: globalgeoparks.org sciences/unesco-global- geoparks/ – China alone has more than 30, but despite Austral- Why the Warrumbungles? geopark is to explore, develop and celebrate the links between that geological heritage and all other aspects ia’s rich geological heritage, currently there are none

Quite often we undervalue the things that identify us of the areas natural, cultural and intangible heritages. It in Australia. as different; if fact we are good at undervaluing the is about reconnecting human society at all levels to the things we have on our doorstep. planet we all call home and to The ragged peaks and spires of the Warrumbungles celebrate how our planet and it’s are visible from the neighbouring shires of Coonam- 4,600 million year long history ble, Gilgandra and Warrumbungle and are an interna- has shaped every aspect of our tionally acclaimed tourist attraction steeped in geolog- lives and our societies. ical history. The UNESCO Global Geopark Network of international Geoparks in 2015 UNESCO has invited the Warrumbungle communities brand opens doors in tourism to consider applying for GLOBAL GEOPARK status. What is Geotourism? and economic growth. Geotourism stimulates new If successful, the area would become one of Austral- Geotourism is about much more than just people ia’s first UNESCO Global Geoparks and one of the sources of revenue through new and innovative local looking at rocks. It aims to foster sustainable tourism world’s largest. enterprises, creating jobs, educational opportunities and other flow-on effects, all while the geological resources based on landscapes, including protecting, communi- of the area are protected. Becoming a UNESCO Global cating and promoting geological heritage, building Geopark takes a “bottom up” approach. It gives com- communities and working with a wide range of peo- munities the opportunity to develop partnerships and ple. Activities that achieve this can include visits to promote their area’s geological processes, features, pe- geological features, use riods of time, historical themes linked to geology or out- of geotrails and look- standing beauty. In a nutshell, it is about people and outs, guided tours, geo- place; landscape and culture. A UNESCO Global Geopark activities and patronage enables and celebrates all forms of economic develop- of visitor centres. It is about tap[ping into a The Warrumbungles .. An internationally acclaimed rugged ment including exploration, mining and agriculture. Eve- volcanic skyline ryone has a different relationship with “place”, so the large and rapidly grow- ing overseas market What is a UNESCO Global Geopark? application process needs input from the diverse groups that make up the community of the region. seeking high value and A UNESCO Global Geopark is a unified geographical Watch for your opportunity to be a part of the planning branded nature-based area featuring one or more sites of international geo- tourism experiences. process!!! logical significance; think Warrumbungles, think Mac- Geotourism offers the The rugged peaks and spires of the quarie Marshes, think the Pilliga and Coolah Tops Na- Where are these geoparks? Warrumbungles appeal to bush- opportunity to reinvig- walkers, photographers and those tional Parks. An important aspect of a geopark is that In 2015 UNESCO approved a new label to identify orate the domestic who simply enjoy amazing land- the site is managed as part of the surrounding land- UNESCO Global Geoparks. Currently there are 120 traveller market so that scapes. Join us!! scape rather than separate from it. This holistic ap- UNESCO Global Geoparks across the world, and another proach incorporates protection,of these key sites, ed- the whole community benefits from packaging and 19 Aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks that are in the ucation and sustainable development. branding the current tourism product and experi- process of applying for designation. Most of the desig- While a geopark must demonstrate geological herit- ence using the landscape and geological factors to nated geoparks are in Europe/United Kingdom and Asia age of international significance, the purpose of a enhance economic growth.

Geotourism and Geoparks is about all of us working together!!