UNESCO advised state and federal governments to tackle issues regarding nearby acid emissions, such as those from Woodside’s Burrup gas hub, which are harming the art.

The North West Shelf gas project is featured alongside a turtle petroglyph at Murujuga Cultural Landscape in Burrup Peninsula, Western Australia. Source: Supplied / Save Our Songlines / Conservation Council of Western Australia

The peninsula in northwest WA near Karratha is home to two gas plants, a fertiliser plant and iron ore and salt export facilities.

“This is a historic day for our ancestors and future generations, as Murujuga’s exceptional universal heritage values gain global recognition,” she remarked.

“Woodside has been a proud supporter of the World Heritage nomination and assessment process. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and Traditional Custodians on the continued protection and management of this globally significant area,” the company said in a statement sent to SBS News.