Australian Fossil Mammal Sites—Riversleigh World Heritage area

Riversleigh, part of the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites, celebrates 25 years of World Heritage listing 1994 - 2019

    Australian Fossil Mammal Sites consists of two distinct areas listed as a combined World Heritage property—these are the Riversleigh section in Queensland and the Naracoorte section in South Australia.

    Both Riversleigh and Naracoorte are superb illustrations of the key stages of evolution of Australia’s unique wildlife.

    Riversleigh in particular has produced some of the world’s most outstanding fossils, not only in their preservation, but also in their quantity and diversity. Riversleigh has the richest fossil mammal deposits in Australia and few, if any; other fossil deposits in the world have contributed to our knowledge of prehistoric mammal communities so generously.

    Riversleigh 25th Anniversary

    The year 2019 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites—Riversleigh's inscription on the World Heritage List. This anniversary also acknowledges the incredible people who have played a significant role in Riversleigh's protection and conservation.

    This 25th also coincides with the Year of Outback Tourism—the iconic Riversleigh represents Outback Queensland in one of its most ancient forms! By visiting Riversleigh you can discover the unique story of the evolution of Australia’s wildlife and see for yourself, some of the world’s most diverse and well-preserved fossils. Research at Riversleigh has unveiled a unique and ancient environment including carnivorous kangaroos, predatory pouched lions, giant flightless birds and tree-climbing crocodiles.

    Visit Riversleigh to learn more about the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites and the unique creatures that once roamed ancient Australia.

    Riversleigh Community and Scientific Advisory Committee (RCSAC)

    The Riversleigh section of Australian Fossil Mammal Sites has one advisory committee—the Riversleigh Community and Scientific Advisory Committee (RCSAC). The RCSAC committee comprises an independent chair and 11 members.

    Riversleigh Community and Scientific Advisory Committee
    NamePositionField/expertise
    Dr Graeme PotterChairIndependent Chair
    Professor Mike ArcherMemberPalaeontology and Zoology
    Mr Henk GodthelpMemberPalaeontology, Zoology, Geology
    Dr Andrew RozefeldsMemberGeoscience and Palaeobotany
    Cr Ernest CampMemberLocal Government Burke Shire Council
    Cr Peta MacRaeMemberLocal Government Mount Isa City Council
    Ms Michelle Low MowMemberLocal Tour Operator
    Mr Rodney ConnollyMemberLawn Hill and Riversleigh Pastoral Holding Company
    Ms Megan MunchenbergMemberNatural Resource Management
    Mr Henry DickMemberWaanyi Traditional Owner male representation
    Ms Claudette AlbertMemberWaanyi Traditional Owner female representation
    Dr Judith FieldMemberArchaeology

    The purpose of the RCSAC is to assist in meeting obligations under the World Heritage Convention and the Federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and provide advice to the management agencies and the Queensland and Australian Government Ministers responsible for World Heritage. These obligations include identifying, protecting, conserving, presenting and transmitting to future generations the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage property.

    RCSAC Terms of Reference (PDF, 296.6KB) .

    Communique

    The Chair of the RCSAC prepares a Communique for the Queensland Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science, and Minister for the Arts, The Hon Leeanne Enoch after each meeting.

    For further information email .

    Resources