Traditional owners have put forward their plan to turn Koolan Island in the Kimberley into a cultural tourism hub once iron ore mining ceases.
Traditional owners have put forward their plan to turn a remote Kimberley island into a cultural tourism hub once iron ore mining ceases.
Documents released by Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation this month detail the Aboriginal group’s aspirations to lean on tourism to fund management of – and reconnection to – country.
A key site under DAC’s jurisdiction, Koolan Island has been subject to iron ore mining since 1907, including 18 years under current operator Mount Gibson Iron.
But the high-grade mine is close to the end of its operational life, leaving questions as to how best to use the island and its infrastructure – accommodation, vehicle tracks, an airstrip and amenities – once rehabilitation is completed.
DAC and Mount Gibson have already established a cultural centre on the island.
The corporation has identified Koolan Island as a potential base for tourism and rangers due to its proximity to other attractions and existing infrastructure.
DAC vice-chairwoman Leah Umbagai said the ancestors had given Dambimangari people the country to look after.
“When we look after country the right way, Wandjina (our creation ancestor) looks after us,” she said.
“Country is happy, people are happy; there is abundance.
“We want visitors to feel comfortable and safe; to see, feel and respect country the way we do.”
Accommodation, an art gallery and guided tours have been proposed, which could include fishing trips, bush tucker dining, and boat and helicopter charters.
The island is also seen as a hub connecting to the Horizontal Falls where a feasibility study will probe establishment of houseboat accommodation, cultural tours, and partnerships with existing operators in the area.
In 2023, DAC cited cultural concerns behind its advocacy to phase out boat tours through Horizontal Falls. The state government will ban the practice by March, 2028.
A Mt Gibson Iron spokesperson said the miner was working with traditional owners and other stakeholders to determine the use of the island beyond mining.
The company’s boss, Peter Kerr, has previously flagged an interest in becoming a partner in Dambimangari’s aspirations.
“We have got an open mind on it, we have talked about a number of possible structures, but we will still need to do the rehab required and we’re not running away from that,” Mr Kerr told Business News last year.
“At the same time, you could have other businesses operating there that actually help the rehab cost, help the people, and help the traditional owners in terms of what they want to do.”
Other parties interested in using Koolan Island include the Royal Flying Doctor Service, military, and resources.
Central to Koolan Island’s demand is the $20 million airstrip opened in 2021, which has enabled direct flights from Perth.
The DAC plan also ties in the Paspaley pearling family’s Kuri Bay pearl farm.
Dambimangari wants to operate cultural guides and helicopter tours from Kuri Bay, and work with a local fishing charter company.
This would require Dambimangari rangers and guides and their families to be based at Kuri Bay.
DAC will focus on its Horizontal Falls study, a business plan for Koolan Island, and guide training this year and next.
A masterplan for Koolan Island would follow by 2028.
