Leichhardt news stories are becoming more frequent (and I like it)...
From ABC News:
Traditional owners in the Northern Territory have revealed a piece of
rock art they believe is a painting of the first European to cross the Arnhem Land plateau.
The artwork is believed to depict Prussian explorer Ludwig Leichhardt as he travelled through Arnhem Land in 1845.
The
Aboriginal rock art site was rediscovered more than a decade ago, but traditional owners have only now decided to make the find public.
Australian
Rock Art Research Association member and tourism coordinator Andy Ralph says the markings suggest it could be the first time the artist encountered a European.
He says most
rock art images in the area show gun toting buffalo hunters dating to the turn of the 20th century, but this image is much older.
"We are certain this is Leichhardt himself, or one of his party who passed by the area in November 1845," he said.
"The horse depicted has chest guards and knee pads, as did Leichhardt's horses for bush bashing through the Arnhem Land plateau.
Mr Ralph says if managed properly the site will not be adversely affected by tourism.
"Access is extremely limited - you can't just walk there from
Jabiru or Oenpelli for that matter," he said.
"It's very rugged country on the
East Alligator River."
"It's on
the rock area of the Arnhem Land plateau."
"We of course have strict policies in place in regards to examining the occupational
debris."
Mr Ralph says there are plans to fence off some areas to protect them from damage by animals.
"There's issues with feral animals and weeds and also there is a lot of buffalo running around on the Arnhem Land plateau," he said.
"So that is a concern if they rub their hides up against
the rock art."
Regards
Alan