The Western Australian Government has set in motion a plan to support Murujuga's World Heritage List nomination.
Murujuga Cultural Landscape, which includes Burrup Peninsula and Dampier Archipelago, was nominated for World Heritage Listing by the federal government in 2023.
It was suggested in recognition of the area's 'Outstanding Universal Value' which includes some of the oldest rock art in the world and between one to two million petroglyphs.
Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) was financially supported by the government to undertake a Strategic Agreement Making Project that would support the nomination.
MAC put forth a Statement of Intent, which outlines how the government, industry and the corporation will work collaboratively to develop the Strategic Head Agreement which determines the management on Country and economic opportunity at Murujuga.
Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek signed the agreement first, with WA Premier Roger Cook, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti, Environment Minister Reece Whitby, Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Peter Hicks and representatives from Rio Tinto, Woodside, Yara Pilbara, Perdaman Industries, the City of Karratha and Horizon Power signing on Thursday.
MAC CEO Kim Wood said the signing was the result of a "long campaign" by the organisation to have a "modern framework that recognises Traditional Owners’ and Custodians’ self-determination and equal status in decision-making".
MAC is looking forward to working with the signatories to form a Heads of Agreement, following processes aligned with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the principle of free, prior and informed consent,
“This new and innovative agreement-making process will allow the co-existence of this spectacular and unique cultural landscape with industry, while creating certainty and stability - it’s a truly great step forward for Murujuga Country and its Custodians.”
Premier Roger Cook said the statement was an "important step to empower Traditional Owners supporting economic opportunities".
In agreement, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Butti acknowledged the cultural significance of Murujuga.
“Murujuga has immeasurable cultural, spiritual, and archaeological significance to Aboriginal people who have looked after this area for more than 50,000 years," he said.
He said the government was looking forward to working with all parties, including MAC, to "advance the application for World Heritage status".
The signing follows the state government's decision to transfer four undeveloped sites to Murujuga National Park.
The sites, located at Withnell Bay, contribute an extra 254 hectares to the park and were originally reserved for the Burrup Strategic Industrial Area.
The decision was prompted after a previous site was transferred in 2019.
