In a show of strength, passionate community members gathered today outside South32’s headquarters in the heart of Boorloo/Perth’s CBD on Whadjuk Noongar boodja. The snap action, coordinated by the Western Australian Forest Alliance and The Wilderness Society, was a spirited response to the recent government approval of the Worsley bauxite mine expansion near Boddington.
Photo: Sampson McCrackan
The message from the crowd was clear: Protection of Jarrah forests and threatened species must come before corporate profit.
The Northern Jarrah Forests, a natural treasure home to threatened and endangered species such as woylies, ringtail possums, Karak/black cockatoos, and the rare Quindanning spider orchid, are now at even greater risk. Independent studies confirm that bauxite mining leaves irreversible damage, depleting biodiversity and disrupting vital ecosystem processes. Yet, despite this scientific evidence, state and federal approvals have paved the way for further destruction.
But today’s rally was not about defeat—it was about determination. Community members stood shoulder to shoulder, calling on the Western Australian government to commit to the long-term protection of the Northern Jarrah Forests. They demanded an end to forest mining expansions.
Photo: Sampson McCrackan
Photo: Sampson McCrackan
Climate implications
The statistics on climate are staggering. South32’s Worsley operation ranks as WA’s fourth highest greenhouse gas emitter, set to release an additional 51 million tonnes of emissions by 2050. This unchecked destruction puts the already fragile ecosystem on the brink of collapse.
Photo: Sampson McCrackan
Locals speak out
Josie Sherlock, a local vet and member of Locals for Environmental Action and Protection (LEAP) in Boddington, spoke passionately about the real-life impacts on her community.
“As members of the community affected daily by South32, we are appalled and heartbroken by the decisions made by our leaders. Our rights have been sacrificed for corporate profits. Our water is being depleted, our critical habitats destroyed, and our environment polluted.”
The dire environmental consequences were underscored by alarming pollution levels detected in the Hotham River, where toxic aluminium and lead levels have been recorded at 3,749 times and 30 times over safe limits, respectively.
Josie Sherlock speaks outside South32. Photo: Sampson McCrackan
Move on South32
Paddy Cullen, Campaign Manager from The Wilderness Society, highlighted the broader implications of this decision and issued South32 with a community move on notice backed by rally participants.
Paddy Cullin speaks outside South32. Photo: Sampson McCrackan
Federal failure on extinctions promise
Rhiannon Hardwick from the Conservation Council of WA noted how the Albanese Government’s ‘Nature Positive’ vision was meant to end extinctions. However, this approval grants permission to bulldoze thousands of hectares of habitat critical to species like the Karrak (red-tailed black cockatoo), numbats, and woylies.
Rhiannon Hardwick speaks outside South32. Photo: Sampson McCrackan
The struggle is not over!
Both the Federal and State Ministers ignored community voices in favor of corporations, failing to uphold global commitments to halt deforestation and protect biodiversity. Over 18,000 letters in opposition to the project were sent to Minister Plibersek—proof that West Australians will not stand idly by as irreplaceable forests are destroyed.
The fight for the Northern Jarrah Forests is growing, and today’s snap action is not the end. Momentum is building, voices are getting louder, and the demand for action is becoming impossible to ignore and judging by the mood today, the community is not going to back down.
Photo: Sampson McCrackan
Make your voice heard
Call Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, and let her know you are disappointed with the South32 decision. You can use our call guide and talking points to help.