Traditional Owners urge full closure at Horizontal Falls for cultural preservation

Joseph Guenzler Published October 28, 2023 at 10.00am (AWST)

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A bird's-eye view of the opening of Garaan-ngaddim (Horizontal Falls). (Image: Suppled/DAC)

Dambeemangarddee Traditional Owners are advocating for better preservation of cultural values and the complete closure of both gaps at Garaan-ngaddim (Horizontal Falls), to minimise the impact on cultural heritage values from all commercial and recreational vessels.

They stress that the term "closure" pertains only to vessels travelling through the gaps.

For Dambeemangarddee people, Garaan-ngaddim is a powerful, sacred place of extreme cultural significance.

The Falls are also a registered cultural heritage site.

DAC's intention remains the same, allowing tourists to visit Talbot Bay and witness the impressive falls and other nearby attractions.

Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation noted "Garaan-ngaddim is mamaa, a powerful, sacred place. Our people lived there all year round, and we still feel their presence. It is a quiet, calm place. But it can be dangerous".

"You don't rush through it - we've seen how Country responds when people don't respect its power," the Corporation said.

"We ask visitors to be quiet at Garaan-ngaddim, respect our cultural obligations to care for Country and culture, and keep you safe."

*Aerial view of the Garaan-ngaddim gaps. (Image: Supplied/DAC)*

The stance has been conveyed to the Western Australian Government and affirmed that no additional limitations will be imposed during the 2024 season.

The decision follows a 12-month consultation process involving TO's, Tour Operators, DAC, DBCA (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions) and Tourism WA, which was triggered by an incident at the falls in May 2022 where 12 passengers sustained severe injuries when a vessel collided with the narrow gap's rock wall.

Charges were later filed against the operator and the boat's master.

Though they remain dedicated to working with tour operators, the broader WA tourism industry and government to develop alternative, culturally appropriate tourism product at Garaan-ngaddim.

"Traditional Owners have raised these concerns for years," Dambeemangarddee Traditional Owners stated.

"We have never supported boats rushing through the Falls... In the past Operators didn't listen, and we didn't have a say.

"Now they are starting to understand and respect how sensitive this place is for us."

TO's request that operators, government, and the wider public maintain their cooperation to safeguard this sacred site and endorse culturally appropriate tourism on Dambeemangarddee Country.