This landmark recognition, unanimously confirmed at UNESCO’s 47th World Heritage Committee session in Paris, acknowledges the outstanding universal value of Murujuga’s ancient rock art, which comprises over one million petroglyphs dating back more than 50,000 years. The World Heritage listing is a testament to MAC’s tireless advocacy and the collaborative efforts of Traditional Owners, government and industry over many years to protect and celebrate this sacred cultural landscape.
G+T is proud to have supported MAC. As detailed in our insight article Uniting for preservation: the Murujuga SAM project, the firm provided legal expertise to assist MAC in developing a Strategic Agreement-Making framework that helped pave the way for this outcome. Earlier in 2024, G+T advised on the Statement of Intent – a groundbreaking document between MAC, government and industry, establishing guiding principles for collaboration on the Burrup Peninsula (Murujuga Cultural Landscape). This values-based framework, aligned with the principle of free, prior and informed consent, underscored the central role of Traditional Custodians in decision-making and helped with the foundation for Murujuga’s World Heritage bid.
Michael Blakiston, Gilbert + Tobin’s lead partner on the project, reflected on the significance of the achievement:
We are incredibly honoured to have provided support to Murujuga. This ground breaking collaboration between MAC, industry and government set a powerful precedent, demonstrating the potential for positive change when diverse voices unite with a shared vision. We are immensely proud of the work our team has done on this historic project, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to MAC and the Traditional Custodians on achieving this momentous outcome.
G+T commends the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and all stakeholders involved on this historic listing. The firm looks forward to seeing the Murujuga Cultural Landscape protected for future generations and believes a value-based framework will inspire future heritage preservation initiatives in Australia and around the world.
G+T would like to acknowledge the support it received from Dalveen Belyea who was part of the team on the project.
