UPDATE: Environment Minister Murray Watt faces urgent pressure to declare a protection order over part of the Burrup Peninsula in Western Australia, as new reports reveal his department’s recommendation. This move is crucial for safeguarding significant Aboriginal cultural heritage, including a globally recognized collection of rock art.
A court affidavit filed in the federal court shows that Watt’s department has advised him to act swiftly, stating the area is under threat from industrial activities and requires immediate protection. The urgency escalates as Raelene Cooper, a traditional custodian of the Murujuga region, initiated legal action in 2022 to halt the expansion of Woodside’s North West Shelf processing plant, which poses risks to the cultural landscape.
Cooper’s application, filed under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act, seeks a federal decision to protect the area. A judgment is anticipated later today, and Cooper has voiced her frustrations, stating, “If the minister waits any longer, there will be nothing left to protect.” Her comments underline the emotional stakes involved, as the cultural heritage of her people hangs in the balance.
The department’s brief indicates that the designated area is recognized as a significant Aboriginal site, prompting the recommendation for a protection order that would impose prohibitions on activities that could cause injury or desecration. However, details about the specific restrictions remain undisclosed, raising concerns among stakeholders about the impact on ongoing industrial projects.
Emails disclosed by the department show that officials are engaging with affected parties, including Cooper’s legal team and representatives from Woodside and the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation. They have been invited to meet with officials this week for discussions before a final decision is made by Watt.
While the government has acknowledged the cultural significance of the Burrup Peninsula, tensions remain high as industrial activities threaten the area’s integrity. The court hearing last week brought attention to the pressing need for action, as Cooper expressed her dismay over the slow government response.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the federal court and Minister Watt, who has previously provided provisional approval for Woodside’s expansion. The implications of his decision will resonate deeply within the Aboriginal community and beyond, as the future of this culturally rich landscape hangs in the balance.
Stay tuned for the latest developments on this urgent matter.
