ROCK ART REMOVAL APPEAL LODGED

GEOFF VIVIAN

Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has intervened to pause any works on the Perdaman fertiliser plant at Murujuga, the Burrup Peninsula, the group Friends of Australian Rock Art says.

This follows emergency cultural heritage applications from  traditional custodians in relation to threatened rock art removals.

Traditional custodians say the Perdaman works, which had received state approval, would destroy three rock art sites.

Ms Plibersek confirmed she had received a request for a Section 9 declaration under the Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islander heritage Protection Act which whe was carefully considering.

“I can’t say anything further,” she said.

“This is a legal process. As such it’s important that I consider the application without bias and without making public comment.”

Traditional Custodians this morning submitted an extraordinary account of how cultural heritage is being impacted by industrial development on the proposed World Heritage site in an appeal to the WA Environmental Protection Authority; and State and Commonwealth Environment Ministers.

The appeal by Josie Alec and Raelene Cooper, presented in person this morning to the WA EPA, responds to the recent approval to extend the life of Woodside’s Burrup Hub, the largest fossil fuel project in Australia, for a further 50 years until 2070.

Ngaarda Media has been unable to contact Perdaman for comment.