Rock Art Research

This paper outlines the pressing conservation issues relating to the care and management of central Queensland rock art. I draw out from the literature five key dilemmas that current models of cultural heritage management cannot easily resolve. Looking beyond the isolated threats of fire, weathering or visitation, harm to First Nations cultural heritage is also considered to result from more complex management pressures, such as competing priorities and stakeholder interests. A failure to manage this complexity and prioritise First Nations cultural rights is discussed through a recent worst-case scenario: the destruction of rock art at Baloon Cave, Carnarvon Gorge.