UNESCO recommended state and federal governments address concerns that nearby acid emissions, including those from Woodside’s Burrup gas hub, were degrading the art.

The North West Shelf gas project is seen with a petroglyph of a turtle at Murujuga Cultural Landscape in Burrup Peninsula, Western Australia. Source: Supplied / Save Our Songlines / Conservation Council of Western Australia

The peninsula in northwest WA near Karratha is home to two gas plants, a fertiliser plant and iron ore and salt export facilities.

“This is a momentous day for our old people and our future generations, to have Murujuga’s outstanding universal heritage values recognised by the world,” she said.

“We will continue to fight for protection for this very special place, and the world is now aware of what we are up against.”