TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER

Application for a Section 9 declaration for part of the Murujuga area on the Burrup Peninsula

Given media interest in this matter, I want to set out the following facts:

I can confirm that I have received an application for a section 9 declaration under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act (ATSIHP Act).

I will carefully consider the application. I have made no decision.

Under the ATSIHP Act, I may make a section 9 declaration if I am satisfied that the area is a significant Aboriginal area and that it is under serious and immediate threat of injury or desecration.

I have been advised that the proponent company, Perdaman Chemicals and Fertilisers Pty Ltd, has indicated that works on the site subject to the application will not commence within the next few weeks.

I can confirm that I have not reached agreement with either the proponent, those making an application for a section 9 declaration, or any other interested party to the application to pause construction.

As the decision maker on the application, I am unable to make further public comment about the matter.