Say no to a copper mine at Horizontal Falls

Describedby acclaimed naturalist Sir David Attenborough as ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world’, the Kimberley’s Horizontal Falls is a stunning phenomenon created by massive 10-metre tides hurtling through two narrow coastal gorges.

Yet despite its beauty, the region is now under serious threat from industrialisation and pollution. The WA Government has approved exploratory drilling just a few kilometres from the gorges.  This is all part of a plan to build a copper mine in the falls area.

Such a mine would ruin the extremely high tourism values of the Falls by destroying the wilderness experience, and pollute the beautiful marine and coastal environments.

Instead of mining, tourism can be a lasting economic asset to the region, including for traditional owners. There is a real opportunity for traditional owners to receive a fair share of tourism profits through a levy imposed on tourists to the region and funding assistance to local indigenous tourism projects.

Located in the Buccaneer Archipelago, the Falls are part of one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world. The Archipelago includes more than 900 rocky islands with coral reefs, algal reef flats and shallow sandy banks — an important refuge for many wildlife species.

Yet strangely the total region has been omitted from Premier Colin Barnett’s Kimberley conservation and marine parks plans.

How you can help?

You can help, by putting direct pressure on our politicians. Please sign the letter directly to the Premier below. You can also contact your local MP, write a letter to the media and make your friends and family aware. Also keep up to date on the campaign at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Protect-the-Kimberley/154577957892952.