A group of notable figures, including ex-Labor leaders Kim Beazley, Carmen Lawrence, and Peter Dowding, have signed an open letter addressed to Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, calling for the protection of rock art located on the Burrup Peninsula from potential damage caused by industrial emissions linked to the North West Shelf gas project. The letter, drafted by Friends of Australian Rock Art (FARA), emphasizes the significance of preserving the UNESCO World Heritage nomination area and expresses concerns about the adverse impact of the proposed gas project extension.
The Burrup Peninsula, referred to as Murujuga in the local language, houses a vast collection of Aboriginal rock art estimated to consist of one million carvings. Opposition to the gas project's expansion stems from worries that the industrial activities might contribute to the degradation of these historical artworks. Key figures like Yindjibarndi elder Tootsie Daniel, who has witnessed the industrialization of the area over the years, underscore the importance of leaving the country untouched for the benefit of current and future generations.
While the debate over the long-term effects of industrial emissions on the rock art continues, the letter directed to Minister Plibersek highlights the potential risks associated with the expansion plan. Among the concerns raised are the substantial carbon emissions expected from the extended operation and the perceived threat to the area's World Heritage application due to local industrialization. FARA co-convenor Judith Hugo stresses the minister's responsibility in safeguarding Australia's heritage sites and emphasizes the need for a careful consideration of the proposal's environmental and cultural implications.