We’re supporting community groups alarmed by approvals and plans to expand mining operations in the northern jarrah forests, part of the South West Global Biodiversity Hotspot in Western Australia.
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The case at a glance:
- We’ve provided expert legal advice to WA Forest Alliance and other community groups defending this precious forest habitat in a complex area of law.
- The northern jarrah forests are a refuge for the endangered marsupial woylie and Western Australia’s iconic black cockatoos, already extinct in some other parts of the state.
- Mining companies including South32 and Alcoa have already cut down thousands of hectares of this forest.
- In February, Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt found that Alcoa had been illegally clearing threatened species habitat in the northern jarrah forests for 15 years and required the company to pay a $55 million penalty. Despite this, Alcoa was at the same time granted an exemption to continue clearing for another 18 months.
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“Native forest logging was banned in Western Australia in 2024, but the law still allows these precious forests to be cleared for mining projects.
“Despite acknowledging the value of the northern jarrah forests, governments and regulators continue to approve new projects and mine expansions that put this fragile ecosystem under increased stress.” Jess Border, Managing Lawyer, Environmental Defenders Office
