The bid to progress the Murujuga World Heritage nomination is advancing, with the first meeting of a newly formed Murujuga World Heritage Committee in Karratha today.
The committee includes representatives from the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) and traditional owner groups, State and Federal governments and The University of Western Australia’s Centre for Rock Art Research and Management.
The heritage committee will work to capture the unique cultural, spiritual and archaeological values of Murujuga, which is home to one of the world’s highest concentration of rock art engravings, or petroglyphs.
It will provide ongoing advice and direction on the World Heritage nomination to ensure that the area’s values are clearly articulated and embodied in the World Heritage nomination.
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
“The McGowan Government recognises that the rock art of Murujuga is a vital part of Western Australia’s cultural heritage and is of immense significance to the traditional owners.
“We are continuing to work in partnership with MAC and stakeholders to have the area’s dense and diverse collection of rock art internationally recognised at the highest level.
“This meeting is an important step forward in the nomination process. There will be opportunities for broader community input through forums later in the year.
“The release of the Murujuga Rock Art Strategy last month was another important milestone in delivering a scientifically rigorous approach to managing and conserving the area’s World Heritage values.”
As stated by Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation CEO Peter Jeffries:
“We are pleased by the consultative approach being taken by the State Government in progressing the bid for the World Heritage listing of our rock art.
“The rock art is of immense cultural significance to us; it tells our stories and our history and records the practices of our old people.
“We are excited by the progress of the World Heritage listing nomination to give Murujuga the international recognition it deserves, and we are glad to be part of the new World Heritage Committee which will further advance the nomination.”
