The major reason for a proposed alcohol-free zone (AFZ) in Biamanga National Park, the site of Mumbulla Falls, is because it would ensure a greater level of respect in the sacred region.
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The zone is proposed for the area around the picnic area, falls and waterhole, and is a move instigated by the Biamanga National Park Board of Management.
"Can you imagine someone going into a church and drinking?" the board's chair and Yuin man Uncle Bunja Smith said.
"This is a very special place for us so we want to create that atmosphere, we want to create that culture, and we want people to understand the significance of the place."
The other reason the board wants to install an AFZ is for safety, as while Mr Smith said they had no recorded accidents or incidents at the site the board was "about prevention", as alcohol, slippery rocks and broken glass could be a recipe for disaster.
"What happens if someone injures themselves there? It's not an easy place to get to or to get someone from," he said.
He said the board could "go down the Ayers Rock route of banning everyone" - referring to the decision by the Anangu to permanently close Uluru to climbers - but said they still wanted the public to use the site and the move was more about education and the sharing of culture.
"When I talk about culture I mean the culture of people that come there and use it, the culture of respect for the place itself," he said.
"We don't want to stop you visiting, we want you to come there, we want you to have a barbecue."
All of Biamanga is a special area to the traditional custodians, but he said waterhole at Mumbulla Falls was of particular significance as it was a place of initiation and a significant site of lore for men, supported by women.
Traditional custodians already request people do not swim in the waterhole, with Mr Smith saying again it was a matter of respect.
"There's divided schools of thought around whether people should be swimming in it or not, which is why we've haven't gone down the path of closing it," he said.
"We'd prefer you didn't swim in it, but if you do understand there can be consequences from spiritual aspects.
"People make better choices when alcohol doesn't cloud their brains."
Bega Valley Shire Council unanimously voted to open the consultation period on the AFZ in a meeting in October.
Council staff said the AFZ would provide additional powers to assist police in reducing alcohol-related antisocial behaviours and bolster public safety and awareness.
You can have your say on the issue by clicking here before public consultation closes on December 1.
Albert McKnight
Journalist at Bega District News.
Journalist at Bega District News.
