The Fate of Murujuga Rock Art: A Culture at Risk from Industrial Pollution

Industrial pollution from the North West Shelf liquefied natural gas project is threatening the Murujuga rock art site, a UNESCO world heritage site under consideration for listing.

The rock surfaces are degraded due to acidic emissions from industry, and the elevated porosity of the rocks puts the survival of the petroglyphs at risk.

The rock varnish, a crucial component of the rock art, is under threat due to increased porosity and industrial emissions.

The bulk of the industrial damage is likely more recent than 1994 and is ongoing, according to research by Jolam Neumann.

The government has downplayed the findings, focusing on the defunct power plant as the primary culprit, but the data suggests that contemporary industrial emissions are damaging the rock art at least five times faster than the old power plant.

Immediate action is needed to reduce industrial pollution levels at Murujuga to zero to protect this unique and culturally significant site.

Selective catalytic reduction and replacing gas burning heat production with electricity can form part of the conditions to the ministerial approval of the North West Shelf extension.

The use of such technologies can help to mitigate the damage being done to the Murujuga rock art site and protect this irreplaceable piece of natural history.

Protecting the Murujuga rock art site is essential for preserving Australia’s unique cultural heritage and protecting this irreplaceable piece of natural history.

The fate of Murujuga rock art hangs in the balance, and the world is watching, making it imperative that we take proactive steps to preserve this incredible piece of natural history.