‘Another Juukan Gorge’: Darwin’s Middle Arm hub threatens Indigenous rock art, traditional owners say

Larrakia people say they have not been properly consulted on planned industrial precinct, which is near ‘priceless’ sacred site

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The traditional owners of Darwin say a “priceless” part of Indigenous history is at risk from the proposed Middle Arm industrial precinct, which is a “stone’s throw” from the city’s only known remaining Indigenous rock art.

They say if the project on Darwin harbour proceeds there is a real risk of “another Juukan Gorge style scenario” – where in 2020 Rio Tinto blew up ancient rock shelters that showed human occupancy dating back 46,000 years.