The explorer William Dampier in 1699 gave us the first informative records and left his name to the Dampier Archipelago (which includes the Burrup Peninsula) on the North Western coast of Australia (WA) describing the plentiful natural resources. From the first accounts of Aboriginal art in 1865 by Jefferson Pickman Stow to John Withnell’s little book on Aboriginals of North Western Australia published in 1901 amongst many others they all recognise the aesthetic, the social, the scientific, the historical and spiritual importance of the Dampier Archipelago. The site for a long time had been recognised for its potential as a World Heritage listing yet was the first Australian site ever nominated in 2003 and was recently re-registered on the World Monuments Watch 100 Most Endangered Sites list.

The area comprises most certainly the largest corpus of petroglyphs (engraved motives) (see Fig. 1) in the World some dating from 10,000 to perhaps more than 30,000 years old, however it has not been extensively surveyed. “Only those areas where industrial development was about to take place were ever systematically surveyed. The actual extent of art and archaeology is undoubtedly much wider” Friends of Australian Rock Art (FARA). There is much to be learnt from this remote area from the biodiversity aspects to archaeological surveys. In spite of this incredible wealth industrial development has been underway since the 1950’s.

In its press release dated February 21st 2007 Industry Rocking the Burrup, Robin des Bois expressed their concerns over major industrial redevelopments, and warned that major protection measures were urgently needed, this included the proposed listing of the site. Robin des Bois stands alongside FARA, who organised the "Stand Up for the Burrup" campaign around the world including fourteen protests in France, National Trust of Australia (WA) and other Australian and international organisations.

On July 3rd 2007 The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP, Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Resources of Australia announced that part of the Dampier Archipelago would join the National Heritage list which means that 241 sq/km (see Fig. 2) is protected under the Australian Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999. Robin des Bois appreciates this decision, which is a breath of fresh air for the Burrup, there is no doubt that this recognition of the invaluable nature of the site will help in protecting the Peninsula and its cultural significance.
Even though this is a major initiative taken by the Australian Government and The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull who has refused Woodside's application for land expansion next to its joint venture list, the Burrup is still threatened especially by Woodside’s proposed “Pluto” Liquefied Natural Gas plant and by ongoing pollution mostly industrial but also linked to other activities in the region.
Clearly the North West Shelf development cannot be easily overlooked given its economic significance; however any reassurance in terms of long term safeguarding should be reinforced on the Burrup Peninsula, the Dampier Archipelago and the surrounding area where numerous cultural sites abound, the Ocean seabed shouldn’t be overlooked. Assessment of pollution impacts in the area and long term monitoring of the pollution effects are paramount. Plans for relocating industries in the long term and safeguarding measures are needed as well as a thorough mapping and studying of this outstanding cultural wealth. Robin des Bois hopes that the Australian authorities and the Australian public continue to show respect, interest and care for this area its people and their legacy.

Other Links:
Friends of Australian Rock Art
The National Trust of Australia (WA)
Robin des Bois previous press release