A Global Voice Joins the Fight to Protect World Heritage Site at Murujuga

We have an important update to share in our ongoing effort to protect the irreplaceable rock art at Murujuga, and ensure a safe climate for all.

This week, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment, Astrid Puentes Riaño, made an extraordinary application to the Federal Court to be heard in our challenge against Woodside’s North West Shelf extension project.

This kind of intervention is rare — and it shows just how significant this case is, not just for Australia, but for the world. The UNESCO World Heritage site at Murujuga contains the oldest and most extensive rock art on the planet, including the earliest known depiction of the human face. It’s a priceless and unique place that deserves protection for future generations.

“It’s surprising that the Australian government appears to have taken no steps at all to respond to the recent International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion, which confirmed that continued fossil fuel production could expose countries like Australia to liability for transboundary climate harms. Business as usual is no longer an option that comes without serious national economic and social risks.” (Elaine Johnson, Director of Johnson Legal)

As Australians, we have a responsibility to ensure this site is protected and to hold our governments to account when they fail to follow the laws designed to safeguard heritage places and our shared climate. FARA has been fighting for Murujuga’s protection for many years, and we cannot stand by while governments sacrifice irreplaceable heritage and our climate system, especially when due process has not been followed.

Woodside’s North West Shelf extension will cause ongoing and irreversible damage — social, economic, and cultural — but the Minister has been willing to sacrifice Murujuga for the sake of narrow benefits claimed by Woodside.

Extending operations of a massive gas facility in the heart of a World Heritage site for decades to come will disrupt tourism, science, and the living heritage of the area, while driving further climate harm.

Thank you for standing with us. Your support makes this fight possible.