19 million square miles of the Northern Territory's West Kimberly region will be under Federal protection after Environment Minister Tony Burke announced that the area is to be formally listed under the national heritage listing laws.

 

The areas listed for protection include the West Kimberley coast from Cape Leveque to Cambridge Gulf, the Kimberley plateau, the Fitzroy River and land south of the Oscar and Napier ranges.

 

The announcement by the Federal Government comes as the Heritage Council had formally recommended the area be protected for its significant Indigenous, Colonial and natural history value.

 

"Its unique wildlife, stunning coastlines, spectacular gorges and waterfalls, ancient Aboriginal cultural traditions as well as its pastoral and pearling history make this one of the most remarkable places in our nation," Mr Burke told a gathering of traditional land owners.

 

However, the  proposed LNG precinct at James Price Point has not been effected the government's decision and will continue to clear land for the construction of the site.

 

The Kimberly region is thought to contain upwards of $360 billion in mineral deposits and has been the source of continued tension between industry and environmental groups.