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Parliamentary Questions


Question On Notice No. 192 asked in the Legislative Council on 23 June 2021 by Hon Brad Pettitt

Question Directed to the: Minister for Mental Health representing the Minister for Environment
Parliament: 41 Session: 1


Question

I refer to the Data Analysis Australia reviews of the CSIRO monitoring of the Murujuga Rock Art, and the criticisms regarding the validity and reliability of the program, particularly with regard to the elements of the monitoring report suggesting that little to no damage to the petroglyphs is taking place, and I ask:
(a) is the Minister currently satisfied that there is sufficient baseline information on the condition of the Murujuga Rock Art to determine if additional pollution from Woodside’s proposed Pluto LNG expansion will have a material impact on the rock art over time;
(b) is the Minister currently satisfied that there is sufficient baseline information on the condition of the Murujuga Rock Art to determine if additional pollution from Woodside’s existing LNG operations is having a material impact on the rock art over time;
(c) if yes to (a) and/or (b), could the Minister please table any relevant reports and/or advice to support this position; and
(d) has there been any assessment of the potential impacts that the Pluto Train 2 expansion will have on the Murujuga Rock Art by the Department of Indigenous Affairs, for the purposes of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and its objectives of protecting Aboriginal Heritage:
(i) if yes to (d), could the Minister please table this assessment; and
(ii) if no to (d), why not?

Answered on 18 August 2021

(a) – (c)

The Murujuga Rock Art Strategy establishes the long-term basis for coordinated monitoring and analysis of changes to rock art on Murujuga and, if appropriate, implementation of management or mitigation measures, consistent with the State Government’s responsibilities under the Environmental Protection Act 1986.  Information from the monitoring will be used to determine whether further regulation of emissions from industries operating on Murujuga and surrounds is required.

I understand that the methodology and conclusions of some of the research studies and monitoring undertaken since 2004 have been subject to criticism.  Independent reviews undertaken by Data Analysis Australia have recommended the redesign of the rock art monitoring program based upon well-established principles of experimental design to provide more robust, replicable and reliable information about the impacts of air emissions on the rock art.

 

The regulatory framework is appropriate for assessing and managing potential impacts to rock art as there are multiple industries located on Murujuga and surrounds which could potentially impact rock art, and therefore a coordinated approach is required.

 

The Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program is based on Data Analysis Australia’s recommendations and is designed to test clear hypotheses and adhere to best practice principles of experimental design.  Independent peer review processes will provide assurance that the best scientific information is available to guide management actions.

 

As part of the monitoring program, environmental quality standards and criteria will be developed.  Industry operating on Murujuga will be required to comply with these standards and criteria.

 

The monitoring program also recognises the immense cultural significance of the area for Aboriginal people.  The program is working in partnership with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and its Circle of Elders to ensure that cultural protocols are followed and importantly every aspect of the monitoring program is respectfully co-designed.

 

(d) This question should be directed to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.