Minister announces rock art study management committee membership

22/8/02 State Development Minister Clive Brown today announced the membership of the management committee responsible for overseeing the recently announced comprehensive study into the possible effects of industrial emissions on Aboriginal rock art located on and around the Burrup Peninsula.

22/8/02
State Development Minister Clive Brown today announced the membership of the management committee responsible for overseeing the recently announced comprehensive study into the possible effects of industrial emissions on Aboriginal rock art located on and around the Burrup Peninsula.
"The scientific investigation of claims regarding industrial emissions and rock art is very important," Mr Brown said.
"We have heard a number of claims and counter-claims and I am pleased today to announce a management committee of the highest calibre to co-ordinate a study that will establish the facts.
"The management committee includes senior scientists from Government, with expertise in chemistry, microbiology, rock science and atmospherics, as well as experts from the WA Museum, a representative of indigenous interests, and the president of the Shire of Roebourne."
The Minister said the management committee would initially include:

  • Warren Tacey, Department of Environmental Protection
  • Dennis Callaghan, Department of Indigenous Affairs
  • Ian Macleod, WA Museum
  • Mance Lofgren, WA Museum
  • Dr Patricia Vinnicombe
  • David Fleming, WA Chemistry Centre
  • Meath Hammond, Woodside Energy Ltd
  • Phillip Haydock, Yamatji Land and Sea Council
  • Kevin Richards, Shire of Roebourne.
The Minister said the initial four-year study would be conducted by an independent external consultant, sought through a public tender process.
"The Government understands the importance of the rock art located on and around the Burrup and this study will scientifically investigate claims that emissions from industries currently located on the Burrup are affecting it," Mr Brown said.
He said that the study would:
  • monitor emissions from industry;
  • identify impacts on the rock art;
  • set up a database from which to determine the impact of future industrial activities; and
  • identify potential mitigation measures, if necessary.
Mr Brown said that the WA Museum had provided a draft scope of work to identify any impacts on the rock art, which included monitoring 10 sites, four times per year, for the:
  • pH of the rocks and the soil, both surface and extractive values;
  • weekly temperature and relative humidity profiles of the site;
  • plate counts of the number of yeasts, moulds, fungi and bacteria; and
  • colour of reference points on the rock surfaces as recorded by a chromameter.
The Government retained its position that evidence was yet to be provided that proved industrial emissions from existing industry on the Burrup were harming the area's rock art.
"This study will, for the first time, provide a complete set of scientific data on this issue and facilitate an informed and accurate discussion," Mr Brown said.
"If other individuals or organisations have information they think would assist the management committee in its brief, then I encourage them to submit it and let it be assessed scientifically."
The Minister again reinforced the Government's position that projects would only proceed on the Burrup industrial precinct once all the necessary environmental approvals had been obtained and noted that two projects, Burrup Fertilisers and Syntroleum, had already received environmental approval.
Minister's office: 9222 9699