"To the best of our knowledge, this monitoring program will be the most thorough scientific research of impacts on rock art ever undertaken in Australia.," said Professor Frank Murray, Chair of the Burrup Rock Art Monitoring Management Committee, which was set up by the Western Australian Government to monitor any effects industrial emissions might have on the Aboriginal rock art of the Burrup Peninsula.

"The monitoring program is being conducted by some of our nation's finest scientists who are using the best available equipment, and the research will be completely independent of government and industry."

Four monitoring studies have been commissioned at a cost of almost $400,000.

Studies covering the monitoring of ambient concentrations of air pollutants, and microclimate and deposition studies, are being undertaken by CSIRO Atmospheric Research.

Artificial fumigation studies of rock surface changes and field studies of colour changes are being undertaken by CSIRO Manufacturing and Infrastructure Technology.

Professor Murray said monitoring and research to be conducted during the next four years would include measuring the current condition of the rock art, and identifying and measuring ground level concentrations of any pollutants on the rock surfaces.

"We'll also investigate the natural processes and emissions that might degrade the rock art, monitoring changes over time, and then if necessary, proposing appropriate management measures."

Professor Murray, who is also Associate Professor in Environmental Science in the Division of Science and Engineering at Murdoch University, said the four-year program will provide a sound scientific baseline, using measurement techniques that were reproducible in the long term.

"For the first time, these studies will provide a complete set of scientific data on the issue and facilitate an informed and accurate discussion to ensure this community treasure is protected both now and into the future," said Professor Murray.

Monitoring sites were selected in consultation with the local Aboriginal community and include locations that are both close to and distant from industrial emission sources on the Burrup, based on atmospheric dispersion modelling completed in June 2003.

Local contractors have been engaged to erect enclosures around monitoring sites, and regional staff of the Department of Conservation and Land Management in Karratha will assist CSIRO with field work.

Six monthly and annual reports, to be published on the Department of Industry and Resources website at www.doir.wa.gov.au, will enable the Committee to update the community on the progress of the rock art monitoring program.

Following completion of studies and peer assessment of the results, the Burrup Rock Art Monitoring Management Committee will produce a final report for Government and the community, including recommendations for the ongoing preservation and conservation of the rock art.

The Burrup Rock Art Monitoring Management Committee includes experts in atmospheric science, archaeology, chemistry, land conservation and rock science from the WA Museum, and Chemistry Centre (WA), and the Departments of Environment, Indigenous Affairs, and Industry and Resources, and other organisations outside government.