They may appear alluring to thrill seekers and those seeking the perfect social media snap. But these waters are deceptively deadly and have authorities desperately searching for ways to keep visitors out.
abc.net.au/news/babinda-boulders-safety-review-drowning-risks/101891862On a rock above a glistening Far North Queensland creek, a group of young friends pose for a picture bound for social media.
Barriers, "danger" signs, and a lack of designated pathways attempt to restrict visitors from accessing the more dangerous areas at Babinda Boulders — but for some, the lure of the ideal social media post is too tempting. Traditional owners speak of the legend of Oolana, a Yidinji woman who threw herself into the Devil's Pool after being forcibly separated from the man she loved.Oliver Fearman, the risk management consultant who led the safety review of Babinda Boulders, said its findings were relevant for natural tourist sites across the country.
"We've got to be very respectful of the families and friends of people who've been involved in those sorts of events," he said."But the more personal and real we can make the messaging, the more effective it typically is at helping other people grasp the realities of the risk." "It's social media and the need to get the proper photo for the proper place, or people are just unaware how dangerous those spots are."The Cairns Regional Council, which this week formally endorsed the report, intends to install surveillance equipment at Babinda, increase enforcement and run an educational campaign with interactive messaging.
Earlier this month, a two-week search was unable to recover the body of a 54-year-old woman who disappeared in waters at Mossman Gorge, north of Cairns.
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