Tourism operator calls for investigation into water levels at Karijini National Park
The national park, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, is the traditional home of the Banjima, eastern Kuruma, and Yingawangka people.
Banjima man Felix Wilfert is a wood carver who often cuts paperbark trees from Karijini.
He said there was a creek that flowed through the back roads and that the water was always deep enough to cover the bonnet of his vehicle.
"The last time I went there, last year, there was no water there — nothing," he said.
Felix Wilfert says he has seen trees dying in parts of the national park.
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ABC Pilbara: Mietta Adams
)
Mr Wilfert said trees appeared to be dying in the area and that parts of the park were drier than usual.
Mr Wilfert said that because of the area's high altitude, the water at Karijini ran down the hills to neighbouring tributaries.
"Water and rain are a big thing to us," he said.
"It mainly runs all underground.
"It's like the backbone of our culture — that's what the elders left behind.
"They said: 'Take care of the land and the water.'"
Repeat visitors and tourism operators say the trail leading to Hancock Gorge is usually filled with waist-high water.
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ABC Pilbara: Mietta Adams
)
Risk of partial closure
Karijini Eco Retreat manager Drew Norrish said long-time staff and repeat guests were noticing lower water levels at some gorges.
"We need the gorges to remain open all season," he said.
"When there's no water flow, it can cause stagnated water and parts of the national park can close.
"
There are several hundred thousand people that come through every year and water plays a massive part in the experience.
"
Mr Norrish said the situation was puzzling because he believed the area had received more rain over the most recent wet season — November to April — than the previous season.
The Bureau of Meteorology's only weather station in the national park has already recorded 113 more millimetres of rain this wet season than the 2023–24 season.
Mr Wilfert suggested neighbouring mining companies could be causing the lower water levels.
"I think it's something to do with mining and there should be water there all the time, really," he said.
Karijini's waterfalls and gorges attract hundreds of thousands of tourists to WA's Pilbara region every year.
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ABC Pilbara: Alistair Bates
)
Miners vow to protect park
The national park sits within the heart of the Pilbara's multi-billion-dollar network of iron ore mines, which are owned by some of the country's biggest companies, including BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals Group, and Hancock Prospecting.
Rio Tinto's Marandoo mine is bordered by the national park on three sides and is about 50 kilometres from some of the most popular gorges.
Since 2010, Rio Tinto has mined below the water table at Marandoo, which involves the removal of groundwater to access the iron ore.
A Rio Tinto spokesperson said the aquifer connected to Marandoo was regularly monitored.
There has been speculation about the impact mines in the area could be having on the park.
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ABC Pilbara: Charlie Mclean
)
"We continue to conduct monitoring of all water sources we access as required under our environmental approvals," the spokesperson said.
"
Our work is ongoing to reduce water usage across our operations.
"
Fortescue Metals Group, which also operates mines near Karijini, said it always tried to minimise its impact on the environment.
"Regarding Karijini National Park specifically, we recognise its environmental and cultural significance and remain committed to safeguarding this iconic region," a spokesperson said.
Calls for investigation
Mr Norrish said it was time for the state government to investigate the condition of the gorges.
"It's not healthy to have speculative reasons," he said.
"I just feel like we as a community … need to get the facts on the table so we can deal with it knowing that everyone has the same information."
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation did not respond when asked if it would investigate the situation, but pointed out rainfall during the past three wet seasons at Karijini National Park had been below the long-term average.
"This results in low recharge to watercourses and aquifers," the department said in a statement.
"
The government is confident that the monitoring regimes and protections in place are appropriate.
"
Drew Norrish wants the government to investigate, but says the national park is still a top destination.
(
ABC Pilbara: Charlie McLean
)
The ABC understands an organisation representing some of the national park's traditional owners has started its own investigation and commissioned a hydrogeologist to assist.
Mr Norrish said people visiting Karijini this year could still expect a great experience.
"You know, [there are] two billion years of geology, but also the cultural connection to country — it's very active and still very much alive with the traditional owners," he said.
"Karijini is one of the most amazing places in Australia … so we're very keen to make sure it remains at the top of the list for tourists travelling through WA."
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