Greens lock horns with McGowan over Burrup ‘betrayal’

Friday, 20th April 2018

The Greens (WA) have slammed the Premier over the Labor Government’s decision to allow two new industrial projects on the Burrup Peninsula.

The Burrup, which is home to the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal rock art dating back 40,000 years, is overseen by the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation which recently started working with the McGowan Government on securing World Heritage Listing through UNESCO for the Burrup Peninsula and Archipelago.

“This is a deceitful government, who have led traditional owners on while simultaneously working with big business to trash any chance of achieving World Heritage for this site,” said The Greens (WA) spokesperson for Aboriginal Affairs Robin Chapple MLC.

“No one saw this coming, because Mark McGowan had previously indicated that he would work with traditional owners. He’s thrown that consultative, evidenced based approach out of the window in return for a quick fix for his mates in industry.

“What this has shown is that you cannot trust Labor. We have multiple reports showing that industry on the Burrup is degrading the rock art, so why on earth is the government seeking two new industrial projects for this sensitive area when the Maitland estate down the road is perfectly suitable?

“Mark McGowan had his fingers crossed behind his back when he started negotiating on World Heritage Listing.

“People can be assured that The Greens will be fighting this every step of the way in the parliament and in the community.

Media Contact: Liam Carter – 0449 151 490

 

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