Calls for major change at famous Aussie waterfall after double tragedy
Wappa Falls has claimed the lives of at least five people since 2007, now the community is pushing for increased safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
Calls are mounting to restrict public swimming access at a popular Australian waterfall, after the deaths of two teenagers earlier this month. The incident is the latest in a series of fatalities at the site, which has claimed at least five lives since 2007.
Last Sunday, Queensland girl Honor Ward, 17, fell from the waterfall and failed to resurface at Wappa Falls on the Sunshine Coast. Her friend Beau Liddell, 17, jumped into the water to save her but also failed to resurface, with emergency services finding their bodies in the water soon after.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Ted O’Brien, a Sunshine Coast local, expressed his condolences and emphasised the need for action. "This loss of young life is absolutely tragic," he told Yahoo News Australia.
"I can only imagine the heartbreak for the families and friends of Honor and Beau, and on behalf of the Sunshine Coast community I send my sincere condolences."
O’Brien said he would be raising the issue with other levels of government to better understand the circumstances and explore safety improvements.
Community pushes for action over waterfall
Indigenous leaders have also weighed in, urging governments to prioritise safety at Queensland’s waterfalls and swimming spots. Uncle Warren Canendo, a Ngadjon traditional owner, stressed the importance of including Indigenous perspectives in planning and safety initiatives.
"We can go to meetings and talk until we’re blue in the face, but nothing gets done," he told the ABC, highlighting the need for tangible action.
Wappa Falls has claimed the lives of at least five people since 2007, while eight people have drowned at Josephine Falls, in Cairns, in that same timeframe. As the devastated Sunshine Coast community comes to terms with the latest two deaths, calls to prohibit swimming at Wappa are growing.
Honor’s neighbours echoed the calls for change, arguing the spot should have been closed or fenced off due to recent heavy rainfall that made conditions even more hazardous.
Member for Nicklin, Marty Hunt, also spoke to Yahoo on the issue.
He said he's ready to "advocate locally" and back "any initiatives that may assist" in increasing safety at the region's waterfalls and inland swimming spots.
"My thoughts are with the families and friends impacted by the tragic loss of Honor and Beau," Hunt told Yahoo. "I will await recommendation from the relevant agencies to explore opportunities for safety enhancements in the area."
Sunshine Coast Councillor David Law assured the community discussions were underway with the Queensland government to address safety concerns. “Council is liaising with the Queensland government to jointly consider safety improvement opportunities in the Wappa Falls area,” he told Yahoo News.
A spokesperson for the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development said "as this incident is under investigation by Queensland Police ... it would be inappropriate to comment."
"The Department will await the outcome of the coroner’s report and any recommendations to improve safety," the spokesperson said.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.