Karratha police search home of activist campaigning to protect Burrup rock art

The home of an Indigenous woman campaigning to protect culturally significant rock art was raided while she was giving expert testimony in a court case involving climate change protesters.

On Thursday, Karratha police conducted several search warrants at Baynton homes on Miles Loop under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1981.

On the same day, Murujuga traditional custodian Raelene Cooper was called to court to give evidence on damaged rock art by the two protesters accused of blocking Burrup Road to protest against the Scarborough gas development.

Ms Cooper, who is a campaign leader for Save Our Songlines, has publicly spoken on the “climate impacts of the Burrup Hub on sacred Murujuga rock art”.

In a public statement, she said the raid on her home was “politically motivated intimidation tactics” to silence her from speaking on the damage to rock art.

“While I shared my cultural knowledge and authority as a traditional custodian a dozen cops kicked down my unlocked door, locking up my dogs and went through my house while my kids were out,” she said.

“This is an obvious and brazen attempt to shut me up and make me scared to keep speaking out. It will not work.

“It is just the latest tactic from powerful vested interests who have already used gag clauses, dodgy consultation and ignored the objections of Elders to repeatedly prioritise dangerous industry over our sacred sites and the climate.”

However, a WA Police spokesperson said the search was not related to Ms Cooper’s activism.

“This was a day-of-action, responding to several community reports received in recent weeks,” they said.

“These reports described antisocial behaviour, and drug-related activity on Miles Loop in Baynton.

“As a result of these warrants, four individuals were charged with seven offences.”

Ms Cooper was not among those charged.

Pilbara News understands no one at Ms Coopers’ residence was charged.