11: World Heritage listing of Burrup Peninsula rock art edges closer

On the rocks of the Burrup Peninsula exist a vast collection of Aboriginal engravings, described as "the largest outdoor art gallery on the planet".

It's estimated there are a million of them and yet the sad fact is that most of us know more about the French engravings of horses at Lascaux than we do of what exists on our doorstep.

The Aboriginal people of the Pilbara region know the site as Murujuga

And while Lascaux is heavily protected, the rock art of the Burrup remains caught in a decades-long fight between culture, tourism and industry.

Within a stone's throw of this incredible art are petrochemical plants, a giant gas hub and one of Australia's busiest ports.

But now Aboriginal traditional custodians, archaeologists and government are working together to push for UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Joining Jo Trilling for this FOCUS conversation are Peter Jeffries, CEO Murujuga Aboriginal corporation, archaeologist Dr Ken Mulvaney, scientist Dr John Black and Yarra Pilbara spokesperson Luke Blackbourn.

Source: ABC Focus with Jessica Strutt
Duration: 43min 8sec

Broadcast: Wed 17 Apr 2019, 12:00pm
http://tiny.cc/j099cz