For how long? That’s the question the Jarrahdale Forest Protectors (JFP) are asking after hearing news of Alcoa’s decision to withdraw its exploration proposal of the Northern Jarrah Forest (NJF).
“(People) don’t realise current expansion plans are still in the pipeline,” the spokesperson said.
“This is what we are still campaigning against.”
Alcoa regulatory approvals director Kane Moyle said the decision to withdraw was in response to stakeholder and local community input.
“Community and stakeholder consultation is an important part of Alcoa’s planning for the future,” Mr Moyle said.
“While exploration drilling is a low-impact activity and does not indicate an intention to mine an area but rather to broaden geological knowledge of the region, we understand the strong environmental and social values of the Perth Hills to local communities and the broader public.
In its submission to the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) public comment period, the JFP said it covered a range of topics including impacts on flora, fauna, water and social surrounds.
“Ours was one of 60,000 submissions during the public environmental review – an unprecedented number and one the state government must not ignore,” the spokesperson said.
“It is almost impossible to communicate just how important the NJF is – vegetation is needed for the small water cycle, which creates rainfall, temperature modification, water purification as well as erosion control.
“We cannot take it for granted that the forest will always be there. We need to look after it and protect it from harm.”
City of Armadale Mayor Ruth Butterfield said Alcoa’s decision was a win for both the community and the environment.
“Preserving the unique biodiversity of the jarrah forest, protecting our drinking water catchments, respecting aboriginal cultural heritage and enhancing the tourism potential of the Perth Hills has always been a priority,” Ms Butterfield said.
“We understand the importance of alumina production and the jobs it supports, but these benefits cannot come at the cost of the security of Perth’s drinking water supply.”
The JFP spokesperson said mining in native forests needed to be banned, considering the little vegetation remaining.
“Our concern is (mining) will be allowed to continue and the forest will not be able to withstand the pressure and undergo severe ecosystem collapse within our lifetime,” the spokesperson said.
JFP will be hosting bus tours in the coming year to educate the community on the different parts of mining and rehabilitation in the NJF.
