Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) does not have a role in approving projects within the Burrup Strategic Industrial Area – this is the State Government’s role.
MAC can only try to influence outcomes by lodging submissions as part of the Public Environmental Review process, and through negotiating directly with the proponent [industry companies].
- The approved Scarborough [development area] includes the development of new domestic gas facilities [Pluto Train 2] and modifications to Pluto Train 1 [current gas facilities].
- The onshore component of the Scarborough project falls within the existing boundaries of Woodside leases within the Burrup Strategic Industrial Area and development does not impact any known heritage sites.
- The Scarborough Joint Venture comprises Woodside Energy Scarborough Ltd (73.5%) and BHP Petroleum (Australia) Pty Ltd (26.5%).
- The Scarborough project has received the government’s environmental approval and Woodside recently made a final investment decision to proceed.
- MAC takes seriously its responsibility to protect and preserve the cultural heritage of Murujuga. We will continue to work with industry and government to ensure that no development taking place on Murujuga will impact its significant heritage values and we will hold all stakeholders to account for any impact they have on cultural heritage values across Murujuga country.
- To date there is no reliable scientific evidence from independent experts that emissions are impacting Murujuga’s rock art.
- The Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program (RAMP) will help ensure we have adequate and transparent scientific and technical research on the potential impact of emissions on Murujuga’s rock art.
- The Murujuga Rock Art Strategy (MRAS) gives MAC confidence that the results of a robust monitoring program will be backed up by meaningful management frameworks for the long-term protection of rock art.
- The protection of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape is imperative to MAC and we firmly believe that the World Heritage Listing is a critical step in protecting and sharing the scientific and cultural values of Murujuga.
- Murujuga and industry can coexist on country, and culture and heritage remain protected when comprehensive environmental, land and heritage protection policies are in place.
- The outcomes of the RAMP and ongoing consultation regarding the MRAS will assist MAC, and the State and Commonwealth government approval bodies, to inform and define strict requirements surrounding the management of any potential human induced impacts on Murujuga’s rock art. Industry will have to demonstrate their ability to monitor and meet measured emission targets prior to commencement of works and for the life of the proposed development approval.
- Consistent monitoring and reporting are essential throughout the lifetime of the project, so industry is held accountable and committed to the target and in protecting important heritage and culture – including our rock art.
- If research finds that emissions do have an impact on the state of preservation of rock art, then MAC will expect the State and Commonwealth government to adjust any existing approvals to ensure the protection of cultural values at Murujuga.
Where do we go to from here?
- We will continue to work with the Board of Directors, Circle of Elders, experts, industry, and government to carefully manage any proposed or future development on Murujuga.
- We will ensure that no development taking place on Murujuga will impact the significant heritage, land and cultural values of Murujuga and our people.
- We will continue to work closely with government and industry, and ensure our people and country are cared for and considered in future discussions.
- We want to coexist with industry in meaningful partnerships to ensure we are informed and can protect Murujuga and our people for future generations.