Tar seeping from a nearly century-old concrete and masonry wall has stained Western Australia's Wave Rock, altering the natural colours of the ancient granite formation. The wall, constructed in 1928, diverts rainwater into the Wave Rock Reservoir, a crucial supply for local farming interests. Its crumbling state and visible damage now force a public discussion over its future.
Noongar man and Hyden local Michael Ward observes that the rock face has changed significantly since his childhood, when its colour was "like the stripes of a tiger." He believes the wall should be removed, at least temporarily, allowing rainwater to flow naturally over the rock. Ward describes the natural flow as producing an "amplifying sound of the water crashing down" and notes that the rock "feels like the wave has been coloured-in compared to what it used to look like."
Capital's Claim on Water
Kondinin Shire president and local farmer Kent Mouritz insists the wall must remain. He argues the reservoir provides an important non-potable water source, particularly for firefighting, noting the Department of Fire and Emergency Services established a water-bombing station nearby. Mouritz also claims the wall "helps stop people from falling off the rock," a secondary justification for its continued existence.
The Water Corporation, a state entity, echoes this position. It cites the "long-term impacts of climate change on water sources" and "increasing demand" across the Great Southern region as reasons the Wave Rock Reservoir remains a vital non-potable supply. The corporation explicitly states that retaining the reservoir "supported local farming interests" and helped reduce demand on scheme water, clearly prioritizing the needs of agricultural capital over the natural environment and Indigenous heritage.
Ward explains that while the wall's initial sealing "worked initially," it has aged. Water now seeps underneath, becoming slow-moving and allowing "pigment and sediment from the tar to stain the wave face." This degradation is a direct consequence of the infrastructure built to serve settler economic interests.
The State's Role in Resource Control
The Water Corporation confirmed a ranger had assessed the wall's condition. A spokesperson stated that "while some small sections of the catchment wall are missing, enough rainfall is being funnelled to fill the dam." The corporation plans "periodic inspections of the catchment wall and schedule repairs when required," a strategy that maintains the existing infrastructure without addressing the fundamental conflict between resource extraction and environmental preservation. This approach ensures the continued flow of water to support farming, reinforcing the state's role in managing resources for capital accumulation.
Wave Rock itself was formed 2.7 billion years ago through natural processes of erosion, weathering, and water movement. The wall, built 98 years ago, represents a colonial imposition on this ancient landscape, diverting its natural course for economic gain. The ongoing debate highlights the clash between the imperatives of capital and the enduring claims of Indigenous stewardship and ecological integrity.