Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation condemns wastewater overflow into the Upper Derbarl Yerrigan
Media statement
Wastewater has flowed into the Upper Derbarl Yerrigan affecting areas of cultural significance to the Whadjuk Noongar people
Water Corporation did not inform Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation of the incident
Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation is the cultural authority under the Whadjuk Indigenous Land Use Agreement
Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation expresses deep concern and disappointment over the recent wastewater overflow into the Upper Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River), affecting the Guildford and Viveash areas — a place of immense cultural, spiritual, and ecological significance to the Whadjuk Noongar people.
Despite the environmental and cultural implications of this incident, Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation was not informed by Water Corporation or consulted as the rightful cultural authority under the Whadjuk Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA).
This exclusion is not only disrespectful but also a breach of the cultural rights and responsibilities that underpin the ILUA.
Efforts by Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation CEO Leon Ruri to directly contact Water Corporation CEO Pat Donovan have been ignored.
This lack of engagement demonstrates a continued pattern of institutional disregard for Aboriginal voices and cultural governance, particularly when it comes to the protection of sacred waterways and Country.
This incident is even more disheartening as it casts a shadow over the 2025 National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony held tonight on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja – a time when the achievements, strength, and cultural pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are being celebrated. Instead, we are left grappling with yet another reminder of the ongoing struggle for respect and recognition of our rights on Country.
Statement from Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation CEO Leon Ruri:
The health of the Derbarl Yerrigan is the health of our People. It is time for engaging in meaningful partnership, not exclusion.
We call on Water Corporation to act with transparency and accountability, and to respect the cultural authority of Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation by formally engaging with us in all matters impacting Whadjuk land and waters.
Media enquiries: 0459 565 649 or media@noongar.org.au
Download: Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation media statement (PDF 878KB)
