Dampier Rock Art

Western Australia

On 25 September 2003, following a request by the International Federation of Rock Art Organisations (IFRAO), the World Monuments Fund (WMF) listed the Dampier Rock Art Precinct among its 100 Most Endangered Sites. In response, the Western Australian Minister for State Development, Clive Brown MLA, wrote to the WMF, objecting to the listing of the monument. Bonnie Burnham, the WMF President, travelled from New York to Western Australia in January 2004, at the peak of the summer heat, to inspect the Dampier rock art and to evaluate the objections of the State Government herself. Ms Burnham examined four rock art sites on the Burrup Peninsula and inspected previous installations as well as current development works. While she was still in the field, before she had any opportunity to communicate her views, Clive Brown rejected her right to comment on the issues, stating that Americans had “enough environmental problems that they ought to be focusing on, rather than coming to Australia and telling people what to do”. 
 

You can see the 60 min story re great Dampier rock art here.