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Ancient Art Under Threat: Industry vs. Heritage
16 Sep
Summary
- Murujuga's ancient Aboriginal rock art faces ongoing damage.
- Industrial emissions exceed historical levels, scientists report.
- Regulators are accused of failing to protect World Heritage site.
Murujuga, Australia's newest World Heritage site and home to the largest collection of Aboriginal rock art globally, is experiencing ongoing damage from industrial pollution. This sacred place, also known as the Burrup Peninsula, is surrounded by significant gas plants, including Woodside's North West Shelf facility, which emits over 20 tonnes of acid-forming pollution daily.
The latest Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Report confirms that damage has affected more petroglyphs over a larger area than previously documented. Scientists cannot rule out continued harm from industrial pollution, a finding consistent with independent research that contradicts government and industry denials.
Concerns are mounting over the monitoring program's independence, as it is industry-funded. Furthermore, the WA government delayed the report's release until after approving Woodside's North West Shelf Extension. Friends of Australian Rock Art is actively challenging these approvals in state and federal courts, aiming to protect this global treasure.
