Home›Questions on Notice›QoN 1667

❓ This question scrutinises the Murujuga Rock Art Management Program (MRAMP), highlighting delays in report publication, potential lack of transparency, and seeking details on scientific involvement and identified impacts to rock art.

⏳ Awaiting AnswerQoN 1667Legislative Council

Asked

9 June 2026

Member

Hon Dr Brad Pettitt

Portfolio

the Environment

QuestionView source ↗

The Murujuga Rock Art Management Program (MRAMP) states that its objectives include monitoring, analysis, and providing a decision‑making framework to protect Murujuga’s Aboriginal rock art. The program documentation further states that scientific studies are to be undertaken with rigour, that review mechanisms will ensure the best available scientific information guides management actions, and that the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation is the primary organisation supported by State Government departments and scientific experts. It is also stated that transparency of process and public scrutiny will be provided through the publication of an annual Monitoring Studies Report. Data collection for the first year commenced in March 2022, with the annual Studies Report prepared in April and, following peer review, published in November 2023. The second‑year study period concluded in March 2023, with the corresponding Studies Report published in May 2025. A Ministerial media release dated 23 May 2025 titled, “World‑leading monitoring program informs new standards for protecting Murujuga Rock Art,” was issued prior to the publication of that report. Public commentary by some scientists involved in MRAMP has referred to differing interpretations of aspects of the data. As it is now 12 months since the third‑year data collection and scientific study was completed, can the Minister advise:
(a) when will the Monitoring Studies Report 2025 be released to the public;
(b) how the timing of publication aligns with the program’s stated commitment to transparency and public scrutiny;
(c) whether the Minister can advise if any impacts to the Murujuga petroglyphs have been identified through the MRAMP process;
(d) how many rock art specialists have been involved in the data gathering and analysis;
(e) in reference to (d), what is their particular expertise;
(f) in reference to (d), how were they involved in MRAMP;
(g) what is the current status and membership of the Reference Group;
(h) in reference to (g), in what capacity do those members influence MRAMP; and
(i) in reference to (g), what specific expertise does members of the reference group contribute to MRAMP?
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