Protection of rock art paramount in FMG rail decision

The state government has given Fortescue Metals Group the green light for a rail line to go through the Woodstock-Abydos protected area in the Pilbara region of WA.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Sheila McHale said the decision aided the development of a proposed rail line to Port Hedland from the Chichester Ranges and would deliver economic benefits to local indigenous people.

Ms McHale said rock art in the area would remain totally protected through the proposed corridor, approximately 200m wide by 56km long.

"This is a win-win outcome which protects valuable rock art and delivers jobs and economic benefits for indigenous and non-indigenous Western Australians," the Minister said.

Ms McHale said lifting the protected area status did not mean the Aboriginal Heritage Act (AHA) no longer applied to sites in the corridor.

"Before approval is granted for the railway, the developer would need to comply with strict conditions which protect rock art and minimise any other impact on Aboriginal heritage in the area," she said.

"Where excavation will need to take place, special non-explosive techniques, similar to those used in the Beaconsfield mine rescue, will be used to guarantee there is no impact."

The Minister said that importantly, the proposed FMG project had not been opposed by the local Palyku and Kariyarra Aboriginal groups, with both signing agreements promising economic benefits if the project went ahead.

"FMG has also been proactive with respect to Aboriginal heritage management," she said.

The rail line is part of a 2004 State Agreement covering an FMG proposal to mine in the Chichester ranges, build port facilities in Port Hedland, and construct a railway linking the two.

The final decision over the path of the rail line rests with the Planning and Infrastructure Minister.

There is already a BHP Billiton Iron Ore owned railway line operating within the protected area.