The Western Australian government is defending its decision to allow a cultural heritage site to be used for overflow parking at the Margaret River Pro surfing event, despite objections from a local Indigenous organisation.
The Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation, representing more than 600 Wardandi, Piblemen, and Kaneang people in the state’s South West, said it did not give consent for the site to be used by either the government or the World Surf League (WSL).
The globally recognised surfing competition is currently underway in Margaret River, about 275 kilometres south of Perth.
Disputed Use of Heritage Land
A section of land near the event site has been sectioned off for bus parking. However, Karri Karrak claims the use of this area, which they say holds cultural significance, was neither approved by them nor properly consulted on.
“We feel like we’ve been ignored,” said Stephen Van Leeuwin, chief executive of Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation. “There was no meaningful consultation with us about impacting a heritage site — or several sites — in the Margaret River region.”
Government Maintains Protocols Were Followed
WA Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch said he had been assured that all required approvals were obtained, including those concerning Aboriginal heritage.
“I’m advised that the World Surf League consulted with traditional owners from the area, and the Undalup Association fully supported the proposal, consistent with past years,” Mr Punch stated.
A year ago, Surfing Western Australia issued a formal apology to Karri Karrak for the unauthorised use of an Aboriginal heritage site, pledging to ensure it wouldn’t happen again. Van Leeuwin said despite those promises, the same mistake has been repeated.
“We made our concerns clear last time, and yet here we are again, with government backing and WSL approval, acting as if nothing has changed,” he said.
Mixed Indigenous Representation
The WSL said it received all necessary permits and followed government advice regarding heritage sites. The organisation continues to work with the Undalup Association, which conducted the Welcome to Country ceremony at the event’s opening.
The Undalup Association, based in Busselton and Margaret River, is dedicated to promoting Wadandi culture and regularly hosts community events, including the seasonal Bunuru Festival.
Despite their involvement in the Pro’s opening ceremony, Karri Karrak maintains that they, as a key representative group for native title holders in the region, were sidelined in the decision-making process.
