WA: Surfer describes seeing father, teacher engulfed by cliff

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2004
WA: Surfer describes seeing father, teacher engulfed by cliff

The trial of a damages claim by families of those killed in the Gracetown cliff collapse
in Western Australia has been told a young surfer saw his father and eight other people
die under thousands of tonnes of rock.

Perth District Court has begun hearing evidence from relatives of the five adults and
four children who died when the cliff gave way in September 1996.

AARON MCFARLANE, whose father Peter was killed in the tragedy, said Huzza's beach in
the state's south-west was a focal point for novice surfers and families because it was
thought to be safe.

Mr MCFARLANE, who was 12 at the time, was taking part in an interschool surfing competition
and said he had a clear view of the beach from the water when disaster struck.

He's told the court he saw around 20 people standing underneath the cliff when it collapsed.

Mr MCFARLANE said the overhang was a popular spot for spectators because it provided
significant shelter, and his school had never told him not to sit underneath.

Relatives of those killed are suing the state government, the shire of Augusta/Margaret
River, the Department of Conservation and Land Management and the state education ministry
for damages, claiming they were liable for the tragedy in 1996.

AAP RTV tc/wjf

KEYWORD: GRACETOWN (PERTH)

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