Concerns for rock art

The largest and densest rock art collection in Australia is one step closer to receiving world heritage recognition, but fears are raised industry projects could lead to its destruction. Friends of Australian Rock Art co-convenor Judith Hugo welcomed the Federal Government’s nomination of the rock art of Murujuga Cultural Landscape for UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List, but was concerned the industrialisation of the area was leading to acid rain. “It’s completely farcical that the Federal Government is today nominating the Burrup for UNESCO listing at the same time as the WA government is enthusiastically promoting its destruction through even more industrialisation by Woodside, Yara and other companies,” she said. “Recent scientific research has shown that acid levels have risen 1000fold since Burrup industrialisation began in the 1980s, and it’s now clear that uncapped emissions by Woodside, Yara and other industries on the Burrup are eating away at the rock art. “Woodside, and joint venture partners Chevron, BP and Shell are seeking to dramatically expand their LNG operations to create the Burrup Hub near Karratha, which would produce carbon emissions equivalent to 24 coal-fired power stations every year until 2070, making it Australia’s largest and dirtiest fossil fuel project.” The collection would be considered for official World Heritage listing after being on the tentative list for at least 12 months. Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Peter Jeffries said the tentative listing was an important step in securing international awareness and protection of Murujuga’s incredible landscape and unique culture. “This tentative list submission for World Heritage listing has been thousands of years in the making, and we’re encouraged by the efforts made across State and Federal governments to secure its approval,” he said. Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said the State Government was working to progress the heritage listing.