Tours to the Kimberley’s Horizontal Falls under pressure
The popular attraction could soon be off the cards under proposed changes after a meeting of the department of biodiversity, conservation and attractions was held in Broome on Tuesday.
Stakeholders, including local tourism operators were invited to a closed meeting to discuss possible changes to the licensing system currently in place that regulates the use of jet boats passing through the fast moving Kimberly tides.
The destination is extremely popular among visiting travellers, however the meeting proposed no new licenses would be issued to companies looking to pass through the area.
A final decision has not been made in regard to those businesses that already hold a license.
In May 2022, a jet boat incident at the Horizontal Falls seriously injured at least a dozen, the recent meeting is partly a response to the accident as well as on going concerns regarding safety and cultural significance.
The Australian maritime safety watchdog barred the tour operator involved in the accident until the were cleared by inspectors.
“The joint management partners are currently looking at proposed licensing changes for visitation to Garaanngaddim/Horizontal Falls and the broader Talbot Bay anchorage area,” a department of biodiversity, conservation and attractions spokesman, said.
“The proposed changes are aimed at delivering culturally appropriate tourism and improving safety.”
The current practice involves a payment to the traditional land owner group, Dambeemangaree for the use of the land and see as the falls are seen as a significant cultural and spiritual site for the Indigenous population.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
kimberley Kimberley Horizontal Falls Talbot Bay Western AustraliaLatest News
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