The nomination of Queensland's Cape York for UNESCO World Heritage status has sparked heated debate, with the newly elected LNP government ordering a review amid claims of inadequate consultation and potential economic impacts for local Indigenous communities.

The nomination, led by federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and former Queensland Labor premier Steven Miles, aimed to protect culturally and environmentally significant sites across Cape York.

However, Indigenous leaders, including Yupungathi man Richie Ah Mat of the Cape York Land Council, argue the listing would hinder job-creating opportunities.

"Once you put World Heritage over Cape York, our people's economic opportunities are gone out the window," Mr Ah Mat has said.

"The government talks about closing the gap but you can't do that if you are locking up areas."

The review, announced by Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell, cites dissatisfaction with the consultation process.

Mr Powell criticised the former government for, he alleges, failing to properly engage communities.

"The feedback we received was that the consultation was not enough, not inclusive, and not positive from the communities," he said.

The tentative nomination, unveiled in June 2024, included seven key sites, such as the Quinkan rock art near Laura, the white sands of Wuthathi (Shelburne Bay) National Park and the granite plateau of Kulla (McIlwraith Range).

The designation would preserve these areas but restrict development.

While some leaders, such as Wuthathi Elder Johnson Chippendale, welcomed the protection, others voiced concerns over its economic consequences, particularly in regions reliant on resource extraction.

The listing was first championed in 2008 by the Rudd Labor government, but stalled amid opposition from local groups and was abandoned in 2013 when the Newman LNP government withdrew support.

It was revived last year with involvement from environmental advocates like Peter Garrett and Don Henry.

Mr Miles has defended the nomination, claiming it followed 15 years of consultation with Indigenous groups.

The former premier described the process as "consent-based".

"The listing was carefully crafted to deliver world heritage to those Traditional and land owners who supported it while excluding those who didn't," he said.

"This consent-based approach allows all groups to achieve their own aspirations.

"There is nowhere in the world like Cape York and Labor supports world heritage listings where those local communities want it."

However, critics like Bama Bagaarrmugu man Gerhardt Pearson, executive director of the Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation, dismissed these claims.

"The suggestion that there's been 15 years of consultation with traditional owners about World Heritage on Cape York is fanciful," said Mr Pearson.

He argued the process was rushed, selective, and orchestrated by southern conservation groups without adequately involving local communities.

Minister Plibersek has maintained the nomination benefits both the environment and the economy, asserting it will not change existing land use and could boost tourism.

"Adding Cape York to the World Heritage tentative list is a result of extensive community consultation," she said.

Mr Powell expressed concerns about balancing conservation with economic development.

"We are all for protecting the environment, but World Heritage doesn't always achieve that, and in some cases, it makes it more frustrating for communities," he said.

The review will determine whether the LNP government will continue supporting the nomination.

This decision could take years, as the World Heritage process involves rigorous assessments before final approval.