Inadequacies of research used to monitor change to rock art and regulate industry on murujuga (Burrup Peninsula'), Australia

Authors

John L. Black, John L Black Consulting
Ilona Box, Ilona Box Consulting
Simon M. Diffey, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

127886

Publication Details

Black, J. L., Box, I. & Diffey, S. (2017). Inadequacies of research used to monitor change to rock art and regulate industry on murujuga (Burrup Peninsula'), Australia. Rock Art Research, 34 (2), 130-148.

Abstract

Murujuga ('Burrup Peninsula') in northwest Western Australia contains the largest concentration of petroglyphs in the world. A substantial petrochemical industrial complex has been placed in close proximity to this cultural treasure. A review of the publically available research reports used by governments to justify establishment of industry and the levels of acceptable emissions reveals the research is not scientifically credible in design, methodology, analysis or interpretation. Each report has serious errors, which renders most results to be of little value. There remains a knowledge deficit on the condition of petroglyphs. No credible decisions about the effects of industry on the rock art can be made using the reports.