The Murujuga Cultural Landscape, located on Western Australia’s Burrup Peninsula, is home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of ancient petroglyphs, some dating back over 50,000 years. These rock carvings, depicting extinct species and early human figures, are of immense cultural and spiritual significance to the Ngarluma, Yindjibarndi, Yaburara, Mardudhunera, and Wong-Goo-Tt-Oo peoples. In 2023, the Australian government nominated Murujuga for UNESCO World Heritage status. However, the bid has encountered challenges due to concerns over industrial emissions from nearby gas facilities, particularly Woodside Energy’s North West Shelf project.
UNESCO’s Concerns
Millions of images tens of thousands of years old cover rocks in Murujuga, Western Australia.Image: Save our Songlines.
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an advisory body to UNESCO, recommended deferring Murujuga’s World Heritage listing. The primary concern is the impact of acidic emissions, such as nitrogen and sulfur oxides, from adjacent industrial activities on the preservation of the rock art. These emissions can lead to acid rain, which accelerates the degradation of the petroglyphs. ICOMOS acknowledged that while Murujuga meets the criteria for World Heritage status, the environmental threats necessitate further action before listing can proceed.
Government Response
The Australian government has expressed disappointment with the draft recommendation. Environment Minister Murray Watt criticized the report, citing alleged inaccuracies and emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage. The government plans to lobby UNESCO to reconsider the deferral, highlighting efforts to monitor and manage industrial emissions in the region.
Woodside’s Position
Woodside Energy, the operator of the North West Shelf gas plant, maintains that its operations are within safety thresholds and supports collaborative environmental monitoring. The company has pledged to work with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and the government to address concerns and support the heritage listing.
Cultural Significance and Advocacy
Murujuga’s rock art holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for Indigenous communities. Traditional custodians, such as the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, have been at the forefront of advocating for the site’s protection and recognition. While expressing disappointment over the deferral, they remain committed to pursuing World Heritage status and ensuring the preservation of their ancestral heritage.
Environmental and Murujuga Cultural Balance
Woodside’s North West Shelf gas export plant is by far the largest producer of NOx on the Burrup Peninsula. Photo: HANDOUT/SAVE OUR SONGLINES
The situation underscores the broader challenge of balancing industrial development with environmental and cultural preservation. As Australia continues to rely on fossil fuel industries, questions arise about the long-term impacts on heritage sites and the effectiveness of current environmental regulations. The Murujuga case highlights the need for comprehensive strategies that prioritize both economic growth and the safeguarding of irreplaceable cultural assets.
Conclusion
The deferral of Murujuga’s World Heritage bid serves as a critical juncture for Australia to reassess its approach to heritage conservation amid industrial expansion. Collaborative efforts between the government, industry stakeholders, and Indigenous communities are essential to address environmental concerns and achieve the recognition that Murujuga’s ancient rock art rightfully deserves.
