Michelle Falls (Mitchell Falls). (Australian Broadcasting Corporation Photo)
There are some world-famous attractions in the far north of Western Australia, such as waterfalls, rock-painting caves and so on, and a local indigenous group is prepared to charge for cruise passengers.
It is understood that the charge by the Wunambal Gaambera aboriginal group (Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation (WGAC), launched in stages. First, cruise and charter operators will be charged a one-time fee of A $200 per berth during the travel season, which will allow tourists to visit tourist sites on multiple occasions. By 2019, the charge will be changed to A $152 per visitor. This will be more expensive than the cruise company charges visitors.
In addition, the plan lists 50 tourist-friendly places, as well as places considered by indigenous peoples to be "holy places" where tourists are not allowed to enter.
Wunambal Gaambera aborigines said the fees they received would be used to help them entertain tourists, clean up rubbish and preserve local cultural sites.
It is understood that in recent years, Kimberley (Kimberley) 's cruise industry is growing, many tourists from the world are willing to pay to see the spectacular coastal scenery. But the aborigines are also worried that the increase in visitors will have some negative impact. Some rock paintings have been damaged, for example, and beer bottles are often thrown on beaches. Moreover, the development of tourism has not brought more job opportunities or income to the local area.
Federal Secretary of Aboriginal Affairs Scott (Nigel Scullion) says charging is a positive measure. He points out that people have to get the consent of the aborigines when they go to the aborigines' lands. If cruise companies want to lead travelers to a unique Aboriginal culture, they need to reach an agreement with the aborigines, which is all right.
And the travel enterprise aspect is concerned is the expense question. Afinel (Chad Avenell), president of (Kimberley Marine Tourism Association (KMTA), the Kimberley Ocean Travel Association, says he supports the charging principle, but that the current proposal is too high and is a heavy burden for some small businesses. It is hoped that the cost will be adjusted to a reasonable range.