Work commenced this week on the Perdaman Urea Plant being constructed in the Pilbara at Murujuga, The Burrup Peninsula.
The 6 billion dollar fertiliser plant has been a controversial development as three sacred rock art sites will be moved as part of its construction.
At a ground-breaking ceremony on Wednesday, Premier Mark McGowan claimed the Perdaman project would not affect the recent nomination for the Murujuga Cultural Landscape to become a World Heritage site.
Premier Mark McGowan claiming traditional owners had approved the Perdaman development. Credit: Eliza Kloser
Mr McGowan said that the local Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC), which represents the five language groups had approved the project.
“The local Aboriginal corporation and Traditional Owners have approved the project under the way the law operates,” he said.
According to the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation’s website, the organisation has no authority to approve or disapprove developments on the Burrup as it is bound by a state agreement.
At the ground-breaking ceremony, MAC Chairmen and Wong-Goo-Tt-Oo representative Peter Hicks said negotiations regarding the project had been difficult.