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Balla Balla, WA

The Balla Balla River, located in Western Australia's Pilbara region, originates near the Yirrakulanna Hills and flows northeastward, crossing the North West Coastal Highway near Whim Creek. It discharges into Balla Balla Harbour, adjacent to Depuch Island in the Indian Ocean. This ephemeral river, which can dry up during summer, experiences water levels rising over 5.5 meters during periodic floods. The surrounding riparian zone is predominantly lined with river red gums. The river's name, recorded in 1878 by John Forrest, is believed to derive from the Kanyarra word "Parla," meaning mud. The Ngarluma people are the traditional custodians of this area. Historically, the town of Balla Balla, established in 1898, served as a port for the Whim Creek copper mine. In 2019, environmental concerns arose when seepage from the mine led to elevated copper levels in the river, prompting regulatory action.