Cold, wet and loud — 2000 people march the streets of Perth to protest forest clearing in WA’s South West

Cold, wet and loud — close to 2000 people marched the streets of Perth on Monday to protest the clearing of forests in the South West. Protesters calling for an end to forest mining gathered at Supreme Court Gardens on WA Day, marching to Parliament House in response to the expansion bids of mining giants such as Alcoa and South32. While both companies have said they respect the community speaking up on what they believe in, the protesters’ concerns have been addressed through the expansion consultation processes. The gathering at the court gardens marked the end of the 250km long Big Jarrah Walk, led by Denmark-based social worker Ricky England, which kicked off from Dwellingup Discovery Centre last month. Heading off from the Peel town with a party of 11 on June 24, Mr England was clearly moved when he arrived in Perth to a gathering of more than 1000. “This has been an incredible community effort,” he said. “I had a bit of a brain fart a little while ago about walking from Dwellingup to Parliament House, but it’s inspired so many communities to come out. “I figured I could do a simple thing and walk — and along the way I wanted to share a message, that what’s happening in the last of our jarrah forest is happening forever. “If we do not stand together, we will hand over one of the most precious things that we have.” The protest was timely with Alcoa unveiling its most recent expansion plan for public review with the EPA late last month with submissions able to be made through the Consultation Hub until August 21. The gathering was one of the biggest protests in the State’s history, with WA Forest Alliance director Jess Boyce saying every person who attended the rally in the rain counts for about 10 others who would have come on a dry day. “The destruction is not happening that far away,” she said. “Forests that many people in Perth go on the weekend for a drive, a hike, a bike ride, a picnic or a camping trip. “Most importantly, these forest ecosystems are home to black cockatoos, trees, shrubs, fungi, quokkas, possums, orchids, wildflowers, and so much more. Many of those animals and plants threatened with extinction.” After the protest, a spokesperson for South32 said the company acknowledged there were a range of community views on the project, and they respected these views. “Throughout the approvals process, we listened and responded to various concerns, and altered the project to address feedback as appropriate,” they said. “The Worsley Mine Development Project was approved by State and Federal governments following extensive environmental assessment, consultation and review processes which commenced in 2019. “Throughout the approvals process Worsley Alumina consulted extensively with government, the community and other stakeholders.” A spokesperson for Alcoa said they too respected the rights of community members to speak up on matters that are of interest to them. “We agree that environmental and social considerations must be purposefully and deliberately considered and managed responsibly in conjunction with development activities.”