'Angry and devastated': Traditional custodians condemn North West Shelf expansion
Traditional custodians have expressed dismay over Environment Minister Murray Watt greenlighting Woodside Energy's extension of the North West Shelf gas project to 2070.
Members of advocacy group Save Our Songlines gathered at Hearson Cove, near Ngajarli in Murujuga National Park, on Thursday May 29, home to some of the world's oldest known petroglyphs – dating back more than 40,000 years.
'We are here at this beautiful place along the Burrup, home to two-million petroglyphs and magnificent stories of creation that has been entrusted in my people for over many generations,' Kuruma Marthudunera woman Josie Alec said.
'The reason why we stand here is because we want to protect and preserve this incredible rock art. As Aboriginal people, we are obligated to protect this country and everything that it means to us.'
Mardudhunera custodian Mark Clifton described the decision as 'devastating', and voiced support for his mother, Raelene Cooper, who has launched a legal bid in an attempt to halt the project.
'It's heart-breaking really, for the countrymen and for the people that live around here. With so much culture, it's unbelievable that they're letting this pass,' he said.
Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation also released a statement on May 29 in relation to the UN looking to set back Australia's bid to add Murujuga rock art to the World Heritage List due to industrial pollution.
'It is clear from the ICOMOS report that the Murujuga Cultural Landscape should be on the World Heritage List and we are very proud of our nomination,' Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation chairperson Peter Hicks said.
'The evaluation report provides the pathway to finalising World Heritage Listing and while the referral adds another small step to our journey, it is a positive outcome and not a rejection.
'While it is disappointing, we are determined to finish our journey and see the Murujuga Cultural Landscape included on the World Heritage List as soon as possible.'
Woodside welcomed the decision by the Federal Government and confirmed it had
received the proposed conditions
relating to cultural heritage and emissions management for the North West Shelf. The company said it was working through to 'understand their application'.
'This nationally significant infrastructure has supplied reliable and affordable energy to Western Australia for 40 years and will be able to continue its contribution to energy security,' Woodside executive Vice President Liz Westcott said.
Mr Watt confirmed that the project approval includes proposed conditions focused on emissions and cultural heritage protection. While specific details have not been made public, Woodside now has 9 days to accept or respond to the conditions.
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