[Greens-Media] Stand up for the Burrup - Joint Media Statement & photo opportunity

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT
Senator Rachel Siewert Senator for Western Australia
Mr Peter Andren MHR Federal Member for Calare
Hon Dr Carmen Lawrence MHR Federal Member for Fremantle


Attn: News Editors/Chiefs of Staff - Wednesday, 20 June 2007


Standing Up for the Burrup

Today, at 11:15 am, in front of Parliament House, a group of concerned
parliamentarians, staff, and rock art supporters, will make their
contribution to a photographic campaign that has seen the 'Stand Up for
the Burrup' message portrayed around the world.

The Stand Up for the Burrup campaign seeks to draw attention to one of
the world's most significant cultural and historical precincts, and to
urge its protection from an industrial development that could easily be
located elsewhere.  There is no oil or gas on the Burrup.  There are,
however, more than a million ancient rock carvings of inestimable
cultural value.

The sequence of nearly 50 photographed 'Stand Up' events has already
featured events in several countries, including Brazil, Belgium, USA,
and Australia.
See: www.standupfortheburrup.com

Senator Rachel Siewert, Mr Peter Andren MP, and Dr Carmen Lawrence MP,
have previously sought the emergency listing of the Burrup Peninsula (in
December 2006), and they are still calling for the Minister to follow
the strong advice of the Australian Heritage Council.

Senator Siewert, Peter Andren, and Dr Carmen Lawrence say:
 "The 'Stand Up for the Burrup' campaign is a fantastic grassroots
effort aimed at lifting the profile of what many regard as Australia's
most significant cultural and historical heritage site.  We encourage
all Australians to join the campaign to protect the Burrup from
unnecessary industrial damage.  This is not a case of balancing economic
and heritage considerations.  Damage to the Burrup is economically
unnecessary."

The Minister for Environment and Heritage has made no decision about the
Burrup, despite receiving an assessment on 23 August 2006 from the
Australian Heritage Council.  Since then his Department has received a
further specialist report noting the fact that the rock art is in danger
of being irreparably damaged.  The Burrup was nominated for national
listing in May 2004.

The World Monuments Fund has recently listed the Burrup on the register
of the world's 100 most endangered sites.

For Comment:
Senator Rachel Siewert	Chris Twomey	0407 725 025Mr Peter Andren
Tim Mahony		0427 480 825Dr Carmen Lawrence	Josh Wilson
(08) 9335 8555 / 0419 963 486