PUMPING and sliding is out at Blackwall Reach with Melville council vetoing a free outdoor event at the popular Swan River spot.

And it’s warning that if the event goes ahead, rangers and even the police may call in to break it up.

Empiric Entertainment recently promoted “sliding, climbing, jumping, and pumping! — water guns edition”— as an adrenalin-fuelled day that included cliff-jumping, live DJs, water slides and water pistol duels.

But the council was quick to post on Empiric’s Facebook page the March 5 event—scheduled to run 1pm to 2am—was illegal.

No application for the event had been lodged, let alone approval granted.

“The city has not taken similar action in the past to contact an event organiser, however the nature and scale of event which is being promoted on social media is a cause for concern,” said council CEO Shayne Silcox.

“It should also be noted that Blackwall Reach is a Bush Forever site that we must look after and additionally does not have any supporting infrastructure, such as toilets and car parking for an event of this scale. Any attempt to stage the event without the necessary approvals will result in action being taken by City of Melville rangers and community safety service, with assistance from WA police if requested.”

Blackwall Reach is a popular spot for jumping off cliffs into the river and for rock climbing.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK