THE IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION ON THE ROCK ART OF MURUJUGA, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

MacLeod and Fish have recently suggested that there is no adverse impact on the engraved rock art of Murujuga (the Burrup Peninsula) from industrial pollution. This highly controversial conclusion demands examination because it could influence future government decision-making concerning ongoing applications to expand industrial activity on Murujuga. We, therefore, review the data and arguments underpinning that conclusion. We find the conclusion unsubstantiated, misleading and potentially damaging for the long-term preservation of the Murujuga rock art. Evidence suggests that the petroglyphs are already actively degraded by industrial pollution.