Burrup Rock Art Monitoring Program

Burrup Rock Art Technical Working Group

In August 2002 the Western Australian Government established the independent Burrup Rock Art Monitoring Management Committee. This committee has been replaced by the Burrup Rock Art Technical Working Group (BRATWG) in 2010. BRATWG oversees the ongoing studies that are being conducted to establish whether industrial emissions could affect the petroglyphs.

BRATWG terms of reference and membership.214.49 KB

Members

• Associate Professor Frank Murray - Murdoch University (Chair)
• Jeremy Elliot - Department of Aboriginal Affairs
• Bill Carr - Independent rock art expert
• Allisdair MacDonald - Department of Parks and Wildlife
• Dr Alex Bevan - Western Australian Museum
• John Litchfield - Burrup industries representative

Executive Support

• Karl Carrabotta - Department of Environment Regulation

Burrup rock art monitoring

Regular independent monitoring of colour change and spectral mineralogy of the Burrup rock art has been undertaken by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) since 2004. CSIRO prepares annual reports that compare the results of each year’s monitoring program with results since the study’s inception in 2004. BRATWG reviews the annual research reports.

CSIRO Burrup Peninsula Aboriginal Petroglyphs: Colour Change and Spectral Mineralogy (2004–2014) October 2015 9.77 MB 

CSIRO Burrup Peninsula Aboriginal Petroglyphs: Colour Change and Spectral Mineralogy (2004–2013) May 2014 20.23 MB

CSIRO Burrup Peninsula Aboriginal Petroglyphs: Colour Change and Spectral Mineralogy (2004–2012) July 2013 4.80 MB

CSIRO Burrup Peninsula Aboriginal Petroglyphs: Colour Change and Spectral Mineralogy Report (2004–2011) September 20123.74 MB

CSIRO Burrup Peninsula Aboriginal Petroglyphs: Colour Change and Spectral Mineralogy Report (2004–2010) March 20112.78 MB

Burrup Peninsula Aboriginal Petroglyphs: Colour Change and Spectral Mineralogy (2004–2009) April 20103 MB

CSIRO Burrup Peninsula Aboriginal Petroglyphs: Colour Change and Spectral Mineralogy (2004–2007) – September 20082.12 MB

Burrup Peninsula air pollution studies

Air quality monitoring was undertaken by CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research in 2004–2005 and 2007–2008 to assess the likelihood that air pollution from the industrial area may damage the petroglyphs.

• Burrup Peninsula Air Pollution Study: Report for 2004–2005 and 2007–2008 – September 2008 (CSIRO) (5.63 MB)
• International Reviewers comments on the Burrup Peninsula Air Pollution Study – November 2008 (28 kB)
• Burrup Peninsula Air Pollution Study – Summary of Interim Report – August 2007 (Rock Art Monitoring Management Committee) (284.41 kB)
• Burrup Peninsula Air Pollution Study: Final Report – April 2006 (CSIRO) (3.41 MB)

Dispersion modelling of atmospheric pollutants on the Burrup Peninsula

In 2003, dispersion modelling of atmospheric pollutants was undertaken by Sinclair Knight Mertz (SKM). This modelling was subsequently revised in 2009.

• Burrup Rock Art: Revised Modelling – January 2009 (SKM) (2.36 MB)
• Burrup Rock Art – Atmospheric Modelling – Concentrations and Depositions – June 2003 (SKM) (2.41 MB)

Monitoring of microbial diversity on the petroglyphs

The possibility that microbial activity perhaps stimulated by deposition of air pollutants could accelerate surface corrosion was investigated by Murdoch University between 2004 and 2008

• Monitoring of Microbial Diversity on Rock Surfaces of the Burrup Peninsula – September 2008 (Murdoch University) (1.26 MB)
• Monitoring of microbial diversity on Burrup rock surfaces – Summary report: September 2006 (MurdochUniversity)(691.5 kB)

Accelerated erosion tests

Accelerated erosion tests were conducted by CSIRO between 2004 and 2007 using fumigation chambers to assess the impact of different pollutant scenarios, and to evaluate the role that dust may play in rock surface modification.

• Field studies of rock art appearance. Final report: Fumigation & Dust Deposition. Progress Report: Colour Change and Spectral Mineralogy (2004–2006) – March 2007(CSIRO) (5.61 MB)

Program management history

The Burrup rock art monitoring program was previously managed by the Department of State Development until 1 July 2010 and the former Department of Environment and Conservation until 1 July 2013.

The Department of Environment Regulation is responsible for the ongoing management of the Burrup rock art monitoring program.