- Cook Labor Government, Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, and Curtin University release report covering third year of Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program
- Monitoring has found no measurable impact from current industrial emissions on rock art within UNESCO World Heritage-listed Murujuga Cultural Landscape
- Comprehensive scientific study also found no current evidence of acid rain in the area
- Part of Cook Labor Government pledge to acknowledge the cultural heritage of Western Australia's Aboriginal people and protect and restore the land
The Cook Labor Government is today releasing the third-year report from the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program (MRAMP).
The latest report reaffirms that current emissions from industry and mining activity are not impacting the rock art beyond natural rates of weathering and are not causing acid rain.
It demonstrates that air quality on the Burrup Peninsula is good, with monitored gases generally remaining below the environmental criteria developed through the program.
Additional studies have also reinforced the previous conclusion that higher porosity found in some rocks is most likely related to historical emissions, rather than current industry activity.
The Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program was established to guide future protection of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape, an area of immense cultural and spiritual significance that is recognised for its Outstanding Universal Value on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
It is a partnership led by the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, with scientific work undertaken by Curtin University.
Over the past three years, there have been more than 186,000 measurements of rock art condition, more than 5,500 surface electrochemical tests and laboratory analysis of 87 rock samples.
Over the final year, further studies and investigations will be undertaken to refine the environmental criteria that will ensure ongoing protection of the rock art.
This will provide a scientific basis for long-term monitoring and management in future decades.
The full Year 3 Report and a Public Summary prepared by Curtin University are available here Program: Murujuga Rock Art | WesternAustralian Government
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"This latest report from the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program reinforces the findings from previous years that found no measurable impact on the Murujuga Rock Art from current industry and mining emissions.
"Curtin University and the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation will continue to undertake monitoring and analysis in the final year of the program as it continues to inform how this extraordinary landscape is protected.
"This world-class monitoring program was a critical part of securing World Heritage status for the Murujuga Cultural Landscape and demonstrates the Cook Labor Government's commitment to protecting this landscape.
"Ultimately, this work will provide a scientific basis for the long-term monitoring and management of this incredibly significant part of our First Nations' cultural heritage."
As stated by Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation director and cultural adviserBelinda Churnside:
"Protecting Murujuga's cultural heritage remains our highest priority. This latest report provides further confidence that the monitoring program is building the evidence needed to support the long-term protection of our rock art and cultural landscape.
"As Traditional Owners and Custodians, we know that protecting Murujuga requires both cultural knowledge and robust science. These findings are an important step forward in helping us better understand the landscape and ensure it is protected for future generations.
"World Heritage recognition brings new responsibilities for all of us. MAC will continue working with government, industry, scientists, and our Elders to ensure Murujuga's outstanding cultural values are protected and cared for long into the future."
