Surfing WA apologises for using Aboriginal heritage site during Margaret River Pro

Surfing WA has been forced to apologise to the new Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation for using a plot of land with Aboriginal heritage significance for overflow carparking during the Margaret River Pro.

The Times understands the site has been used for years to help people in wheelchairs and with prams access the world-famous surfing contest.

Permissions were previously received from Wadandi custodians for the land on the corner of Wallcliffe and Surfers Point roads which abuts the site registered as the Wooditj Dunes, an Indigenous burial place.

However, the Times understands Surfing WA failed to get written permission after being told the 2024 request would now need to be considered by Karri Karrak.

In a public notice to be published today, Surfing WA chief executive Mark Lane offered an unreserved apology for using the registered Aboriginal heritage site without formal permission.

“We fully acknowledge the gravity of our oversight and recognise its potential to undermine the relationships and trust that we have been diligently working to foster,” Mr Lane said.

“We understand that this incident stands in direct contradiction to our organisational objectives, which prioritise the enhancement of relationships, understanding, and support between our respective organisations and the communities we serve.”

Mr Lane said an internal review would be undertaken to address the oversight and ensure it was not repeated.

The Wooditj Dunes are directly south of an area of strong Aboriginal heritage significance including the Wallcliffe Cliffs and Wainellingup Caves.

Wadandi figures including matriarch Vivian Brockman Webb have previously campaigned against development of the area on the banks of the Margaret River known as “the old man’s dying place”.

However, in March, the Times reported Karri Karrak supported the Wallcliffe House redevelopment led by Voyager Estate owner Alexandra Burt which directly abuts the registered sites.

At a Shire of Augusta-Margaret River council meeting, Karri Karrak social impact specialist Abby Phillis said an expert panel including Wadandi elder Wayne Webb supported the Wallcliffe House project continuing with sensitivity to heritage concerns.

It is understood Ms Phillis is also Karri Karrak’s chief executive officer.

Rock climbing at the nearby cliffs was previously banned due to those Aboriginal heritage concerns.

Karri Karrak declined to comment.