The State Government has declared “the first major step in decarbonising the Pilbara” has been taken with plans to build a green energy transmission line to the Burrup Peninsula, saying it can be done without threatening World Heritage List-nominated ancient rock art.
Premier Roger Cook and Energy and Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby travelled to Dampier on Sunday to announce plans were progressing with the new high-capacity, shared use line.
It will link renewable energy generation in the Maitland Strategic Industrial Area with Karratha and major Pilbara industry players Woodside, Perdaman and Yara Pilbara.
Asked about Murujuga Cultural Landscape, which was nominated for World Heritage Listing by the Federal Government last year, Mr Cook said he hoped the transmission line was “another signal to everyone involved in that process about how committed we are to preserving the future of this incredible area”.
“In partnership with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and the Ngarluma people, we can make sure that there is an incredibly bright future for the Burrup, respecting the ancient past, which is indelibly linked to this area, but also welcoming its exciting future,” he told reporters.
“And we can manage those two propositions – it’s not a binary proposition. These things can be managed in place.”
He also announced that West Intercourse Island was being returned to MAC, which would ensure rock art and other culturally significant sites were looked after.
MAC chief executive Kim Wood welcomed the transfer.
“Covering around 2300 hectares, West Intercourse Island is a highly significant location in the Murujuga Cultural Landscape, both for its size and its exceptional cultural and heritage values,” Mr Wood said.
![Filer pictures at the multi billion dollar Pluto LNG project in the Burrup, under construction . pic by Sharon Smith WA News 24 November 2007
Burrup rock art.](https://timesofsydney.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2a93044f1a0e7f5828a16368903f1139311230f8.jpg)
“These include hundreds of recorded rock art engravings as well as shell middens, standing stones and other evidence of continuous occupation over millennia.
“For the Ngarda-Ngarli who have strived for years to have their ongoing governance and care for Country placed at the heart of decision making and management of Murujuga, this is a great day and an important step forward.”