The decision has been applauded by State Shadow Heritage Minister John Hyde.

“Today’s listing recognises that the Porongurup National Park contains an extraordinary concentration of flora and fauna in a very small geographical area,” Mr Hyde said.

“The Federal Government is rightly acknowledging that WA’s South West is a biodiversity hotspot needing protection and nurturing.”

The 2,511 hectare park was one of four new heritage places listed on Tuesday.

It joins the Stirling Range as a World and National Heritage listed park in WA.

Others include Purnululu National Park in the Kimberley, Shark Bay and the Dampier Archipelago.

“Porongurup is a very worthy addition to the national heritage estate. It contains some 26 different tree species and 15 species of lichen,” Mr Hyde said.

“This listing puts the focus on the evolution of the tall wet sclerophyll forest from many thousands of years ago when the karri covered a greater proportion of the South West.”

Blackwood-Stirling MLA Terry Redman welcomed the addition of Porongurup National Park to the National Heritage List, describing it as a major boost to its growing status.

“National Heritage listing is further recognition of the outstanding natural history and biodiversity of the Porongurup area, which is already internationally acknowledged,” Mr Redman said.

“This level of national recognition for the Porongurup Park will be a source of great pride for the local community and for everyone associated with the care and promotion of the Park.”

Mr Redman said it was really quite exceptional that there were now two National Parks within sight of each other.

“This listing will lift the profile of the Porongurup area and focus even more public attention on the enormous natural beauty and biodiversity of this region,” he said.