WHAT IS THE GREATER BLUE MOUNTAINS WORLD HERITAGE AREA?
* One million hectares of national parks west of Sydney, stretching 250 kilometres north-to-south
* Comprises sandstone plateaus, eucalyptus forest and mountains
* Contains 1500 plant species including more than 90 types of eucalypt "significant" in understanding the evolution of plant life following the isolation of the Australian continent
* Home to rare and ancient plant species including the Wollemi pine and Blue Mountains pine and more than 400 animal species, many unique or endangered
* Home to the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater
* Significant Aboriginal cultural and artistic sites for six language groups
* Eight conservation areas comprising seven national parks and the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
* The GBMA was added to the UNESCO world heritage register in 2000 for its "outstanding universal value"
* UNESCO is concerned that raising the nearby Warragamba Dam wall by 14 metres could have "negative impacts"
* The NSW government's environmental impact statement on the proposal is expected to consider endangered species including the honeyeater and Aboriginal cultural value
Source: UNESCO, NSW Environment and Heritage, NSW National Parks.
Australian Associated Press
