7am The gas project threatening a world heritage site
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Jul 21, 2025 
Mike Seccombe, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, shares insights on the Murujuga Cultural Landscape, recently recognized by UNESCO for its incredible rock art. He delves into the challenges of heritage protection amidst invasive fossil fuel projects. Seccombe highlights government lobbying efforts that have complicated conservation, showcasing the precarious balance between cultural heritage and industrial interests. He also discusses the urgent climate concerns threatening this ancient site and the political dynamics affecting its preservation.
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Murujuga's Cultural Significance
- The Murujuga site holds one to two million ancient petroglyphs, possibly the largest collection worldwide.
- These carvings show continuous Aboriginal habitation for over 50,000 years, making it culturally monumental.
UNESCO Listing Adds Legal Protection
- UNESCO World Heritage listing adds legal protection via the EPBC Act for heritage sites in Australia.
- Any activity impacting these sites requires federal environment minister approval, showing high-level regulatory involvement.
Woodside's Impact on Rock Art
- Woodside built a gas facility that destroyed many Murujuga petroglyphs and caused concern over emissions degrading the rock art.
- Save Our Song Lines, a traditional custodian group, pushed for UNESCO listing to protect the art and reduce emissions.