Valuing the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage sites

In this paper, a stated value experiment is reported that assesses values held for protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage sites in central Queensland. Choice Modelling, a stated preference non-market valuation technique, was used to estimate non-use values for protecting cultural heritage sites in the context of further water resource allocation and irrigation development. Three population groups were sampled, being an indigenous population, and regional centre and capital city populations. Results show that there are significant differences in values between indigenous and general population groups. The general population groups had negative values for high levels of cultural heritage site protection, but did have positive values for small increases in protection above current levels.