GOVERNMENT APPOINTS REPORTER TO INVESTIGATE BURRUP THREATS

Raelene Cooper. Credit: Woop Woop Pictures.

The Federal government has appointed a reporter to investigate threats to cultural heritage at Murujuga, the Burrup Peninsula, according to ‘Save Our Songlines’, a group of Traditional Custodians.

Under section 10 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act, the reporter will conduct the first assessment into threats to rock art and heritage sites from all existing and planned industry on Murujuga.

The reporter will prepare recommendations for Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, who can choose to take further steps to protect the area.

Save Our Songlines member and Mardudhunera woman Raelene Cooper, who applied for the investigation to take place, said she welcomes the appointment of the reporter.

“This news is a big win for Indigenous voices and grassroots community standing up and speaking out for our country and our sovereignty,” she said.

Construction of planned Perdaman and Woodside facilities is allowed to continue while the investigation takes place.