Protecting Yinarra: A Cultural and Environmental Treasure at Risk
lmage credit: Yisah Bin Omar, 2024, Yinarra
Yinarra, known to many as Entrance Point, holds immense significance for the Djukun Traditional Owners of Djukun country. This coastal gem, located on the Jirr-ngin-ngan (Broome) Peninsula, boasts a stunning reef ecosystem and a rich cultural history that deserves protection.
The ancient sandstone of Jirr-ngin-ngan not only forms a breathtaking coastline but also harbours an extraordinary heritage. Stretching back over 130 million years, this area is home to some of the world's oldest dinosaur footprints, a connection to the land that holds deep meaning for the Djukun people. Beyond that, 2,000-year-old human footprints can also be found etched into the rock, reminders of a continuous cultural presence sustained through millennia. Middens and other Aboriginal heritage listed sites dot the coastline, marking the area's abundant food resources and longstanding importance to the Djukun people.
The reef at Yinarra is another treasure. With over 40 species of coral, the waters here are teeming with vibrant marine life. Clownfish, octopuses, and anemones inhabit the coral gardens. This year, I was fortunate enough to see a Humpback Whale — Loolooloo in the Djukun language breaching in the area. The world's rarest marine mammals the Snubfin Dolphins hunt in the Roebuck Bay deeps. The Simpson's Beach area, are the endangered sawfish can be seen gliding through the waters, while schools of salmon and mullets swim along the shore. This is a living, breathing ecosystem—one that holds both ecological and cultural significance for the Djukun Nation.
Recent discoveries, including previously undocumented species like an unusual crab and a poisonous anemone that inhabit this tropical coastline. Now more than ever, we urgently need to protect Yinarra and its surrounding ecosystems that continue to reveal its natural wonders to us.
However, despite the environmental and cultural significance of Yinarra, it is under threat. The state government is backing a plan to build an industrial floating jetty that would cut through this pristine reef. This project would destroy a section of one of Jirr-ngin-ngan's most valuable natural assets, damaging marine life and disrupting the ecological balance that has existed for millennia.
Even more alarming are plans to cover one of Jirr-ngin-ngan's unique beaches, bookended by sandstone headlands, in 10 meters of concrete. The proposed development would also include a 12-meter rock wall to serve as a breakwater. Three years ago, the costs of this project, originally estimated at $77 million. What is the purpose of this destruction? To allow recreational boaters a few extra hours to launch their vessels or for inexperienced boaters to dock during unpredictable weather and tides.
We need preservation of this precious environment. Instead of spending over $77 million on a project that would destroy one of Jirr-ngin-ngan's most beautiful recreational beaches, we should be investing in protecting Country and looking after the people who have cared for this land for generations.
You can help protect Yinarra’s reef and coastline by visiting the Environs Kimberley website to send a message to Premier Roger Cook and Minister for Ports David Michael, urging them to halt this damaging development. Together, we can preserve Yinarra and ensure that future generations can enjoy the natural and cultural treasures that make this place so special.
