Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | Hansard source

The Mount Lofty region is pursuing a UNESCO World Heritage bid, and I want to publicly put my support behind its efforts. The Mount Lofty Ranges span my electorate from north to south, with small towns dotting our beautiful agrarian landscape. Some compare our Mediterranean climate and landscape to the UNESCO World Heritage region of Tuscany, but, with no offence to the Italians, I believe that our region is even more spectacular. Often, a World Heritage listing seeks to keep buildings or places in much the same condition that made them special in the first place. Our bid is about maintaining the significance of the Mount Lofty Ranges as a viable agricultural region with a vibrant and continually evolving cultural landscape.

And so, this Wednesday evening, I will be hosting a presentation with people from the UNESCO World Heritage bid, and I welcome my fellow members of this House and senators to come along and learn more about it. Critically, our bid will also provide us with the opportunity to solidify and project our reputation as a top quality agricultural, viticultural and horticultural producer and exporter. And those that live in the Mount Lofty Ranges, including students from Stirling East, are well aware of what a quality region we have, and we look forward to sharing that with the world.

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