On 9 May 2017, Burra State Heritage Area joined the National Heritage List.

The Department of Environment, Canberra describes the National Heritage List on its signboards as follows:

The National Heritage List recognizes and protects our most valued natural, indigenous and historic heritage sites. The List reflects the story of our development, from our original inhabitants to the present day, Australia’s spirit and ingenuity, and our unique, living landscape.

Each place in the List is assessed by the Australian Heritage Council having national heritage values that can be protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. In this way, we can sustain our heritage for future generations.

This map shows the area covered by the Heritage Listing, and the area can be seen in more detail here. Click on the 'Show Heritage Area' link in the box on top left