Hyden local wants to hear 'thunderous' noise of rain falling over Wave Rock
A 1928 concrete wall above Western Australia's Wave Rock is deteriorating and leaking tar, prompting debate over its removal or retention. Local resident Michael Ward argues the wall should be taken down to restore natural rain flow and sound, while others cite its role in supplying non‑potable water for firefighting and acting as a safety barrier. The Water Corporation continues to inspect and repair the wall, emphasizing its importance amid climate‑related water challenges.
- ▪The low concrete and masonry wall, built in 1928, is crumbling and has been vandalised, allowing tar and sediment to stain the Wave Rock surface.
- ▪Michael Ward, a Hyden local, wants the wall removed temporarily to let rainwater flow naturally over the rock and produce a thunderous sound.
- ▪Kent Mouritz, Kondinin Shire president, argues the wall should stay because it channels water into a reservoir used for firefighting and helps prevent falls from the rock.
- ▪The Water Corporation maintains that the reservoir remains a vital non‑potable water source for the community, especially under climate change pressures, and conducts periodic inspections and repairs of the wall.
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The wall on WA's famous Wave Rock is damaged, starting discussion over its futureAstrid VolzkeABC Great SouthernTopic:Environmental ImpactsPosted Sat 25 Jul 2026 at 10:05amSat 25 Jul 2026 at 10:05amSat 25 Jul 2026 at 10:05amabc.net.au/news/questions-raised-over-future-of-wall-wave-rock/106922770Link copiedShareShare articleA fragile wall built in 1928 that sits above Western Australia's popular Wave Rock tourist attraction has sparked a conversation amongst locals over whether it should be preserved or removed.The low concrete and masonry wall, which helps divert rainwater into the Wave Rock Reservoir, is crumbling in places and has been vandalised.While it is a key water source during bushfires and drought in the remote WA town, Noongar man and Hyden local Michael Ward says tar seeping…
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