Hyden local wants to hear 'thunderous' noise of rain falling over Wave Rock

A local resident in Hyden, Western Australia, is advocating for the removal of a nearly century-old wall near the iconic Wave Rock, arguing it detracts from the natural beauty and auditory experience of the landmark.

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like the stripes of a tiger

Michael Ward, a Noongar man and Hyden local, believes the low concrete and masonry wall, built in 1928, has altered Wave Rock's natural colors due to tar seeping from its deteriorating structure. He recalls a time when the rock face, formed billions of years ago, was vividly striped like a tiger and the sound of rain cascading over it created a 'thunderous' amphitheater effect. Ward feels the rock face has been significantly changed, describing it as 'colored-in' compared to its former appearance.

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The amplifying sound of the water crashing down [would be] huge. That's its natural flow. Before the wall was put on top, the water would naturally flow down whenever it rained.

The wall's primary function is to funnel rainwater into the Wave Rock Reservoir, serving as a vital water source during droughts and bushfires for the remote town. However, Ward contends that the aging wall allows water to seep beneath its surface, carrying tar and sediment that stain the granite. He suggests that instead of water flowing rapidly and washing away pigments, it now moves slowly, exacerbating the staining.

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It feels like the wave has been coloured-in compared to what it used to look like.

Conversely, some locals, like Kondinin Shire president Kent Mouritz, advocate for the wall's preservation. Mouritz points out its importance as a non-potable water source, especially for firefighting efforts, noting the proximity of a water-bombing station. While the reservoir is no longer used for drinking water due to upgrades in the area's scheme water supply, Mouritz emphasizes its continued critical role in emergency situations.

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When they put the emulsion on top and sealed it, it worked initially. Over the years the wall has aged, and water is now able to seep underneath. Instead of fast-flowing water washing over the rock, it's become slow-moving, allowing pigment and sediment from the tar to stain the wave face.