Archaeologists estimate that the rock art of the area comprises anywhere between 500,000 and 1 million engravings - encompassing the worlds largest collection of engravings and petroglyphs. The site and the engraving pre date both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. While Mr Garrett acknowledges the economic potential of industry in the area, which generates thousands of jobs and billions for the Australian economy, he said that environment and heritage values must be considered at the “front end” of any development proposals to minimise further destruction.

The Aboriginal community set up a corporation that might give them some ability to control any development that happens, but they face quite a battle against corporations that have much more resources to back their efforts.

It would be a sin to see the history and heritage of the land overcome by developer’s interests.