A question regarding the WA government's position on World Heritage listing for the Burrup Peninsula, given its Aboriginal cultural significance. The Minister's response outlines existing protections and suggests World Heritage listing wouldn't add further statutory protection.

AnsweredQoN 738Legislative Council
Asked
18 August 2016
Portfolio
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

QuestionView source ↗

BURRUP PENINSULA — WORLD HERITAGE LISTING
738. Hon ROBIN CHAPPLE to the Minister for
Aboriginal Affairs:
I refer to the speech made by Mr Brendon Grylls at the Cossack Art
Awards on Saturday, 23 July 2016, in which the now Leader of the National Party
stated his support for the World Heritage listing of the Burrup Peninsula based
on its Aboriginal cultural importance.
(1) In light of Mr Grylls' speech,
does the government support the World Heritage listing of the Burrup Peninsula?
(2) Will this government commit to achieving
World Heritage listing for the Burrup Peninsula?
(3) If yes to (1) but no to (2), why not?
(4) If yes to (2), in what time frame will this be achieved?
(5) If no to (1) and/or (2), why not?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(5) The government continues to
work with the traditional owners to help them manage the Burrup Peninsula and
achieve their cultural aspirations. The Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 protects
those places that meet the requirements of section 5 of the act, including many
thousands of rock art motifs and two protected areas that have been declared
over part of the Burrup Peninsula. In 2007, a National Heritage listing was
declared over a substantial portion of the Burrup Peninsula, providing further
protection under the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999. In 2013, Murujuga National Park on the Burrup Peninsula
was declared Western Australia's 100 th national park and, as
a result, it was afforded protection through the provisions of the Conservation
and Land Management Act 1984. The current arrangements provide significant
protection for this area, and World Heritage listing would not confer any
additional statutory protection.

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