Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Murujuga Cultural Landscape

Senate · Wednesday 12 February 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Senator Peter Whish-Wilson moved that the Senate take note of the Minister for Emergency Management's answer regarding Murujuga. He argued that while World Heritage listing was a positive step, it would not prevent acid rain from heavy industry from destroying the rock art. The senator highlighted the threat posed by the Burrup Hub North West Shelf project extension and criticized the government for failing to halt heavy industrial development at the site. The motion was agreed to without further debate.

Outcome

The motion that the Senate take note of the answer was agreed to.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Peter Whish-Wilson (TAS) (Australian Greens) Greens

Whish-Wilson argued that the government's plan to seek World Heritage listing for Murujuga was insufficient to protect the site from environmental damage. Whish-Wilson stated that pollution released by the Burrup fertiliser facility and Woodside's gas-processing operations were causing acid rain that destroyed the desert glass preserving the ancient rock carvings. The senator noted that Minister Penny Wong held a decision on extending the Burrup Hub North West Shelf project, which involved drilling in the Browse Basin and Scott Reef. Whish-Wilson characterised this potential expansion as a significant carbon source that would exacerbate damage to the cultural heritage site. Whish-Wilson criticised the government for not providing a clear answer on stopping further heavy industrial development at the location.