Despite around 20% of the area’s artwork being destroyed by industrial development in the 1960's and 80's the Burrup region is still home to the world's oldest and largest collection of petroglyphs.

Cultural custodians of the Burrup, the Ngarda-ngarli, and Department of Industry and Resources deputy director general Noel Ashcroft, signed the documents at Picnic Creek.

“This partnering alliance provides a framework for classifying and relocating displaced heritage material, along with protocols for consultation and involvement by government with the Ngarda-ngarli,” said Ashcroft.

“During the past two years, heritage rock engravings have been relocated adjacent to the industrial areas and service corridors being developed by the State Government on the Burrup.

“Responding to concerns from the Aboriginal community, this material, and the heritage material relocated from construction activities on the Burrup in the early 1980s to what is now known as the WA Museum compound, will be moved to locations approved by the Ngarda-ngarli.”

Ashcroft said the broad goals of the Displaced Aboriginal Heritage Materials Strategy were to preserve Aboriginal culture and heritage values on the Burrup, consult and involve the local Aboriginal communities in heritage relocations, and develop an agreed process for the movement of heritage materials on the Burrup.

“The guiding principles are that the Government should consider alternatives to developing industry on culturally sensitive lands, and wherever possible, development should avoid heritage sites. In addition, as little heritage material as possible should be moved, and any material unable to be salvaged should be protected, unless the Ngarda-ngarli agree to alternative actions,” said Ashcroft.