The Fight to Save Murujuga

Summary

The Murajuga rock art in northwest Australia, with over a million ancient engravings, is facing destruction due to nearby industrial developments, particularly by Woodside's gas and chemical plants. These emissions, including acidic pollutants, are degrading the rock surfaces, fading the artwork that has survived for 50,000 years. Despite the cultural and historical significance of the site, governments have allowed further expansion, risking irreversible damage. Experts and traditional custodians are fighting to protect this heritage, drawing parallels with past disasters like the destruction at Juukan Gorge, while highlighting the urgent need to preserve the rock art for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The rock art at Murajuga in northwest Australia is an extraordinary and unique cultural treasure, with over a million images dating back 50,000 years.
• 😀 Murajuga contains the world's oldest depictions of the human face and extinct animals, making it an unparalleled archaeological site.
• 😀 Despite its immense cultural and historical significance, industrial development, particularly by Woodside, continues to threaten the preservation of the rock art.
• 😀 Industrial emissions from gas plants and chemical hubs in the area are causing acid rain that deteriorates the protective varnish on the rock surfaces, leading to fading and degradation of the art.
• 😀 The WA government report on the impact of industrial pollution on the rock art was delayed for a year and, when released, did not hold Woodside accountable for the damage caused by current emissions.
• 😀 Experts, including Professor Ben Smith, have conducted extensive research showing the clear link between industrial emissions and the degradation of the rock art, with laboratory experiments proving the acidification process.
• 😀 The rock art is not just an aesthetic or historical asset but a living cultural artifact that holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Aboriginal people of the area.
• 😀 Local Aboriginal custodians, such as Railen Cooper, see the rock art as their 'Bible' and 'cathedral,' and view its destruction as an irreplaceable loss of identity and cultural heritage.
• 😀 Industrial development, particularly the expansion of gas production, is seen as unnecessary, as the resources are offshore and do not need to be processed at Murajuga.
• 😀 The fight to protect Murajuga's rock art parallels the destruction of indigenous heritage sites, such as the Juukan Gorge tragedy, which is viewed as a preventable disaster that could be stopped with political will.

Q & A

What makes the rock art in Murajuga so significant?

The rock art in Murajuga is one of the oldest and most extensive in the world, dating back over 50,000 years. It features depictions of extinct animals and the world's oldest representations of the human face, making it a key site in the study of ancient human history and culture.

Why is Murajuga considered the most important rock art site in the world?

Murajuga is regarded as the most important rock art site due to its vast collection of over a million rock images, the highest density of any site globally. The site's cultural and historical significance, alongside its preservation of ancient stories, elevates its importance.

What is the impact of industrial development on the Murajuga rock art?

Industrial development, particularly by companies like Woodside, has caused significant damage to the rock art. Pollution from gas and chemical plants has altered the pH of the rock surfaces, making them acidic and causing the erosion of the ancient engravings.

What role has Dr. Ken Malaney played in documenting the rock art?

Dr. Ken Malaney has been recording and documenting the rock art for over 45 years. He has fought against industrial encroachment and worked to raise awareness about the cultural importance of the site. His efforts include surveying areas threatened by development and recording changes to the rock art over time.

How has the pollution from industrial development affected the rock art?

Pollution from gas and chemical plants has increased the acidity of the rock surfaces, leading to the degradation of the rock art. Over time, the surfaces have become more porous, and the images have faded due to the environmental damage caused by industrial emissions.

What scientific evidence supports the claim that industrial pollution is damaging the rock art?

Professor Ben Smith and researchers at the University of WA have documented the fading of rock art through before-and-after images taken from the 1970s to 2025. Laboratory experiments have also shown that pollutants from the nearby industrial plants are actively degrading the rock surfaces.

Why is it significant that the Murajuga rock art is located in an industrial area?

The location of the Murajuga rock art in an industrial area creates a conflict, as the ongoing development threatens to destroy or permanently damage the cultural heritage. Despite its importance, the site has been exposed to pollution and industrial expansion, putting its preservation at risk.

What do traditional custodians and artists think about the potential destruction of the rock art?

Traditional custodians like Railen Cooper view the destruction of the rock art as a catastrophic loss, equating it to the destruction of a national treasure like the Sydney Opera House. Artists and cultural leaders emphasize the rock art's vital role in preserving indigenous stories and history.

How does the WA government report on the impact of industrial development on the rock art?

The WA government initially withheld a report that showed the rock surfaces near industrial areas were becoming porous due to pollution. When the report was eventually released, it downplayed the impact by blaming past emissions from an old power station, despite evidence showing current industrial emissions were the primary cause of the damage.

What is the significance of the 50-year extension granted to Woodside's gas development project?

The 50-year extension granted to Woodside's gas development project has raised concerns about further destruction of the rock art. While there are promises to protect the site, the extension could lead to irreversible damage, especially considering the current levels of pollution and the potential for even greater environmental harm.