Monday January 14, 2013, 1:16 pm
Horizontal Horizontal Falls on Australia's Kimberley Coast Gets Much-Needed Protection
Other Resource

Dec 21, 2012
Outback Australia, Outback Australia - Kimberley
Contact: Brandon MacGillis, 202.887.8830

Sir David Attenborough calls Horizontal Falls, on Australia’s northwest Kimberley coast, one of the great natural wonders of the world. Massive tidal currents flow through two narrow coastal gorges in Talbot Bay, creating a stunning horizontal waterfall that is listed as a Commonwealth Heritage Site. But this natural wonder is under threat from mining.

Three companies have expressed interest in mining for copper, which would bring large open-cut mines and the threat of long-term toxic releases into this pristine marine environment. The Western Australia mines department recently approved exploration within five kilometres (three miles) of Horizontal Falls.

Fortunately, on 5 December 2012, the Western Australian Government overruled the mines department and established a 17,000-acre mining exemption zone around Horizontal Falls. The decision represents the first time the government Photo Credit: Richard Costinhas issued a ban on mining in an area because of its iconic value.

This is the first critically important step toward protecting the falls and the larger coastal region, but much more is needed. The area is still under threat from mining and other destructive practices. The only way to truly protect it is by creating a Kimberley marine park, a network of sanctuaries where ocean life is protected from industrial activities and overfishing. Establishing a marine park would safeguard the region’s whales and other unique wildlife and create a legacy for future generations.

Monday January 14, 2013, 1:18 pm
noted, thanks !

Monday January 14, 2013, 1:20 pm
thanks

Monday January 14, 2013, 1:26 pm
You are welcome Roger and Tim!

Monday January 14, 2013, 9:31 pm
thanks!!!

Mother Nature Needs Us

The 10 Commandments of Mother Earth

Monday January 14, 2013, 9:35 pm
You are welcome Terry!!! And thanks for posting the links to the two wonderful videos!You cannot currently send a star to Terry because you have done so within the last week.

Tuesday January 15, 2013, 1:38 pm
Thanks J.L. for the post. Three Cheers to the Western Australian Government' action. Read and noted.

Tuesday January 15, 2013, 1:41 pm
You are welcome John. They definitely do deserve kudos. You cannot currently send a star to John because you have done so within the last week.

Wednesday January 16, 2013, 7:40 am

Thanks,,,,

Wednesday January 16, 2013, 9:29 am
tks

Wednesday January 16, 2013, 9:50 am
Noted. Beautiful country.

Wednesday January 16, 2013, 12:32 pm
You are welcome Paul and Tim. It sure is Michael.

Wednesday January 16, 2013, 1:30 pm
Yea. I like this bit of news. Thanks for sharing.

Wednesday January 16, 2013, 1:33 pm
Me, too & you're welcome Christeen. You cannot currently send a star to Christeen because you have done so within the last week.

Wednesday January 16, 2013, 1:57 pm
Thanks J.L. A.--pleased to read this one.

Wednesday January 16, 2013, 3:08 pm
Noted, thanks.

Wednesday January 16, 2013, 3:14 pm
You are welcome Kerrie

Wednesday January 16, 2013, 3:37 pm
noted

Thursday January 17, 2013, 5:02 am
cool

Thursday January 17, 2013, 6:41 am
wow! I really did NOT know about this places' existence.....amazing! Thanks for posting....... it should have been declared national wilderness area / marine park / mining exemption zone / natural sanctuary long ago....

Thursday January 17, 2013, 9:20 am
I agree Ro and Frans!
You cannot currently send a star to Ro because you have done so within the last week.
You cannot currently send a star to Frans because you have done so within the last week.

Friday January 18, 2013, 1:06 pm
Great! Thanks

Friday January 18, 2013, 3:01 pm
You're welcome Sergio. You cannot currently send a star to Sergio because you have done so within the last week.