The Dampier Archipelago contains the world’s largest, possibly oldest and arguably most significant rock art assemblage spread over an area of 45km throughout the Archipelago. The rock art is generally accepted to be at least 6,000 years old. It is threatened by industrial development and is listed on the World list of 100 Most Endangered Monuments.

Recently a substantial proportion of the Archipelago has been listed on the National Heritage List. The National Heritage Listing is a welcome first step, and the National Trust’s of Australia congratulate the Commonwealth Government for its commitment to the long term conservation of this place. However, Heritage Listing does not necessarily guarantee conservation and the Dampier Archipelago is subject to ongoing development pressure from industry and the State Government.

The National Trusts are hopeful to be able to remove it from the “Our Heritage at Risk” list should the Western Australian Government substantially revise its development plans for the area and implement a single, holistic and robust conservation management plan, suitably funded and appropriately managed.

As well as the conservation management plan, the place needs to be entered on the State Heritage Register and nominated for the World Heritage List to ensure that its heritage values will be conserved for future Australians and the world.