Turnbull approves destruction of sacred cultural heritage

Woodside’s Pluto development will be Australia’s largest resource project. (Woodside)

Woodside Petroleum is 34% owned by Royal Dutch Shell Plc

ABC.net (Australia): Turnbull gives Pluto the green light

Posted Fri Oct 12, 2007 4:40pm AEST

The Federal Government has paved the way for petroleum giant Woodside to begin the development of Australia’s largest resource project on Western Australia’s Burrup Peninsula, the $12 billion Pluto LNG operation.

Federal Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull says the project can proceed providing a number of strict environmental conditions are put in place.

These include a management plan to mitigate the impact of the construction on a sub-sea pipeline on sea turtles, the rare olive python and other threatened marine species.

The company will also need to come up with a plan to protect sensitive marine life like coral from dredging and potential oil spills.

The federal environmental approvals follow similar state environmental conditions.

Woodside has already committed funding for the project and hopes to start construction within the month.

Woodside boss Don Voelte has denied an emergency application by Aboriginal groups to stop the project will impact on construction plans.

The construction of the plant has been dogged by controversy with Aboriginal and environmental groups concerned sensitive Aboriginal rock art will be destroyed.

Woodside says it will do everything to protect the heritage values of the area.

Comment by Friends of Australian Rock Art

Dear Friends,

1. Commonwealth Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull today gave Woodside Petroleum approval to destroy sacred rock art at Murujuga/the Burrup.

Woodside may commence this weekend to remove rock engravings, some of which may be at least 30,000 years old, the oldest art on Earth, from “its” Pluto Site B lease.

Malcolm Turnbull will have to live with that decision. So will his masters at Woodside.

FARA will continue to oppose any destruction of rock art on Murujuga.

2. FARA continues campaign – legal

FARA has taken legal advice about Woodside’s proposed rock art removal. We will advise members and supporters of progress.

FARA does not accept that Malcolm Turnbull’s decision concludes this issue. We will keep you informed of what we are doing, and will be grateful for any support you can provide.

[email protected]; on behalf of; Friends of Australian Rock Art Perth [[email protected]]

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