The approval has ignited protests from environmentalists, archaeologists, and Traditional Owners, who argue that it endangers invaluable cultural heritage.

What is Murujuga — and why is it so important?

Murujuga is home to one of the oldest and most densely packed collections of rock engravings on the planet.

Just kilometres from the ancient rock art site is Woodside’s North West Shelf project. Source: Supplied / Save Our Songlines

Some engravings are estimated to be 50,000 years old — eight times older than the Pyramids of Giza.

“The art encapsulates the life and traditions of Aboriginal people over a span of 50,000 years. They regard it as one of their most cherished sites — having safeguarded and preserved it for millennia.”

What’s happening with the gas project?

Despite long-standing apprehension over industrial emissions, the Albanese government sanctioned the extension last week, permitting the continuation of operations for an additional 40 years.

The decision has been met with anger by environmental and Indigenous groups, who argue it will undermine efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and have a ruinous effect on the ancient petroglyphs.

Is the gas plant damaging the rock art?

Yes, according to a major scientific report released last week. The 800-page ‘Murujaga Rock Art Monitoring Program’ found air pollution from heavy industry is actively degrading the rocks across all tested sites.

“This is one of the most weakly regulated industrial plants in the world,” he said.

The decision to extend the shelf life of Woodside’s Karratha Gas Plant has been met with protests from environmentalists and those concerned about the degradation of Murujuga’s rock art. Source: SBS News / Christopher Tan

Protests, three face court

“I think people will be horrified that the government, who said that they were going to take the climate crisis seriously, have ticked off on yet another mega fossil-fuel project,” she said.

The WA government said on Friday it would undertake a four-month review of native title and cultural heritage processes in the state’s mining sector with a focus on improving outcomes for both Traditional Owners and industry.

What happens now?

The Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, which partners with the WA government in monitoring the preservation of the rock art, said a recent evaluation report found the site to be in a good state of conservation and supported its World Heritage listing.

Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper plans to head to the Federal Court to challenge the decision. Source: Supplied / Raelene Cooper

Smith warned the damage already done is irreversible — but it’s not too late to prevent further harm.