ID: 1833
Presenting Author: Amanda Harris
Session: 606 - Climate change impact assessments for cultural heritage: bridging informational gaps
Status: approve
This paper examines Indigenous heritage impacts from Pilbara groundwater extraction amidst data gaps and contested values and presents strategies for rigorous collaborative assessment.
The increasing extraction of groundwater by the resources sector in the arid Pilbara region of Western Australia—and its demonstrable effects on the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Indigenous communities—is attracting growing media and Ministerial attention amid escalating climate pressures and vocal opposition. This paper examines how the complex interaction between below-water-table mining and large-scale borefield abstraction was reckoned during recent social impact assessment consultations for a major project proposed by a multinational resource company. We explore how data gaps, analytical uncertainties, and the complexity and scale of the proposal contributed to confusion, mistrust and contested understandings of risk. At the same time, we highlight strategies developed by affected Indigenous groups to close these gaps—securing independent subject matter expert advice, promoting data transparency, and sustaining dialogue despite structural challenges. Finally, we propose a framework for a more transparent and collaborative approach to data collection and interpretation, grounded in co-designed heritage and environmental indicators that better support shared decision-making and cultural integrity.
Dr Amanda Harris is an independent consultant anthropologist and researcher specialising in cultural heritage and social impact assessments in Indigenous Australia, Malaysia and China.
Coauthor 1: Sanna Nalder
Coauthor 2: Rachel Hamilton
Coauthor 3: Josie Alec