The Pluto LNG Project is located in an industrial estate established in 2003 by an agreement between the Western Australian Government and the local Ngarluma, Yindjibarndi, Yaburara, Mardudhunera and Wong-Goo-Tt-Oo Indigenous groups.

 

The Western Australian Government granted heritage approvals for the project in 2006 and 2007 and a cultural heritage management plan is in place for the construction phase.

 

The footprint of the Pluto LNG Project was designed to avoid significant areas of cultural heritage. During site preparation work, 170 boulders with Indigenous engravings were relocated under the guidance of archaeologists and local Indigenous representatives without damage.

 

The remaining 92% of rock art in the Pluto lease areas remains undisturbed and Woodside continues to work with local Aboriginal groups to responsibly manage cultural heritage.

 

In 2007, Woodside signed a Conservation Agreement with the Australian Government committing up to A$34 million for the recognition, protection and conservation of the National Heritage Values of the Dampier Archipelago. This is the largest single investment by an Australian company in a National Heritage place.

 

In 2009, Woodside is funding four projects to meet the objectives of the Conservation Agreement. The projects are being run by the National Trust of Australia, the Wong-Goo-Tt-Oo group, Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation in partnership with the Department of Indigenous Affairs, and Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation.

 

Any further call for funding applications under the Conservation Agreement will be determined by the Rock Art Foundation Committee.