Resources boom 'putting Aboriginal rock art at risk'

Australia's greatest ancient Aboriginal rock art is at risk of being damaged or destroyed because it sits at the epicentre of the country's resources boom, experts say. The etchings of men and animals on the rocks of the Burrup Peninsula, some of which are believed to be up to 30,000 years old, lie in Western Australia's remote and mineral-laden Pilbara region. Images carved onto the red rocks scattering the landscape include kangaroos, lizards and emu tracks as well as the tasmanian tiger which died out on the mainland 6,000 years ago. Among the most significant panels are those showing human faces and activities and what experts believe are mythical figures. Archaeologist and anthropologist Sue Smalldon says movement is depicted in the works. "One of the pictures is depicting movement, is showing a man climbing a tree;... [read full story]