[Greens-Media] Burrup Heritage must be protected

[Ludlam, Scott (Sen R. Siewert)]

Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for WA

Monday, 4 September 2006
Burrup Heritage must be protected

Environment and Heritage Minister Ian Campbell will be failing to
protect Aboriginal rock art dating back to the last ice age unless he
adds the whole Burrup rock art province to the National Heritage List.

"How dare he even consider not adding this area to the National Heritage
List? It meets every one of the criteria for listing. It is clearly one
of the most important cultural heritage sites on the planet, and it
belongs on the National Heritage List," Senator Rachel Siewert said. 

"We appear now to be in the farcical situation where industry is
determining what is heritage."

"The Australian Heritage Council was due to provide its recommendations
to Senator Campbell today. But without waiting to see this report, the
Minister is reported to be proposing a watered down listing which will
do nothing to protect the thousands of ancient rock carvings which are
at risk."

"Senator Campbell has a golden opportunity to make up for 30 years of
State Government neglect and protect this extraordinary place."

"The State Government is poised to approve the destruction of more rock
art for Woodside's Pluto Project, making it even more urgent that
Senator Campbell faces up to his responsibilities as Heritage Minister."

"There should be no further industrial development on the Burrup -
future industry must be located outside the rock art precinct," Senator
Siewert said. 

For more information or comment call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au