Burrup peninsula gets heritage protection, but critics says its not enough
The world-renowned Burrup peninsula in Western Australia, home to thousands of priceless Indigenous rock carvings, has finally been given heritage listing by the federal government. The Federal Environment Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, announced today that some 99% of the heritage value rock carvings would be protected. The remaining 1% would be moved in consultation with the areas traditional owners. However, in what’s been seen as a compromise with the State government’s development agenda for the region, existing developments will be able to remain on the peninsula. Some undeveloped areas already covered by commercial leases will be also exempt from the listing. This means that Woodside’s controversial Pluto gas plant will also be allowed to go ahead, despite claims from green groups that it could be relocated to a nearby site that hasn’t got any rock art.