New discovery may hinder Woodside pipeline

According to ABC News, the discoveries of hidden Aboriginal relics, including hundreds of stone tools and grinding stones, have been found at two sites off Western Australia’s remote Pilbara region. 

A spokesperson for Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley said while it is an exciting discovery, it is not yet known whether the government will update the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act or whether the sites meet the threshold for National Heritage Listing.

However, these protections may be tested in the future, as gas giants like Woodside seek to expand throughout the region.

Woodside is planning to link its Scarborough field with its processing facility on the Burrup Peninsula via a 434 km pipeline, which would cut through the Dampier Archipelago.

The newly discovered Aboriginal sites do not fall within the proposed dredging area, though scientists have raised concerns about the potential of other undiscovered sites in the area.

In January, WA’s Environmental Protection Agency recommended approval of the pipeline on the condition that a cultural management plan was developed with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation.

In a statement, Woodside said it was reviewing the report and will work with the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and scientists to understand the emerging information.

“We note that this is new and emerging research that has conducted outside of Woodside’s area of operation and proposed development,” the company said.

Woodside expects to make a final investment decision on the proposal next year.

For more information visit the Woodside website.

If you have news you would like featured in The Australian Pipeliner contact Managing Editor David Convery at dconvery@gs-press.com.au

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