Baudin’s or Bauxite? We Can’t Have Both.

A once-in-a-generation opportunity is before us.

For the first time since bauxite mining began in the 1960s, the WA Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) will formally assess the environmental impacts of Alcoa’s operations in the Northern Jarrah Forest – a stronghold for Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo.

Alcoa is proposing to expand its footprint by 23,900 hectares, including the clearing of 7,500 hectares of Jarrah-Marri Forest – destroying the equivalent of 3,400 football fields of core Baudin’s habitat.

This is a defining moment for the Northern Jarrah Forest, for Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo, and for WA’s unique natural heritage.

Public submissions close 21 August

The Public Environmental Review (PER) is your chance to have your say – and it only takes a couple of sentences.

Baudin’s Black-Cockatoos are in crisis. As one expert put it, the species is “in dire straits.”

BirdLife WA warns that, if bauxite mining continues in the Northern Jarrah Forest, Baudin’s will go extinct.

These iconic birds are already in freefall. They are highly dependent on the Northern Jarrah Forest during the non-breeding season – just as our migratory shorebirds depend on the Yellow Sea.

We can’t say it more clearly: It’s Baudin’s or Bauxite. We can’t have both!

The Northern Jarrah Forest matters

Baudin’s are just the tip of the iceberg. The Northern Jarrah Forest is:

• One of 36 global biodiversity hotspots recognised for high endemism and critical threat
• A vital source of Perth’s drinking water
• A stronghold for many of our more common birds
• A foundation for nature-based tourism
• A defining feature of Perth’s identity

And yet, bauxite mining is tearing through more than 200,000 hectares of the forest. Once mined, it cannot be fully rehabilitated – not for the cockatoos, and not for future generations.

Your voice matters

This is your chance to speak up – whether you support or oppose Alcoa’s proposal. And just a couple of sentences are enough.

There’s no need to repeat what’s already in other submissions. Unless you’ve identified a significant environmental impact that hasn’t been raised elsewhere, simply tell the EPA what you think.

For example:

“I want this proposal rejected because I enjoy visiting the Northern Jarrah Forest and I want my grandchildren to see Baudin’s Black-Cockatoos.”

If you have identified a new or overlooked impact – say, a population of rare birds not mentioned in the documents – we’d love to hear from you.

The EPA needs to hear both the science and the strength of public concern.

Your voice helps shape what happens next.

How to Make a Submission

Making a submission is quick and easy. The EPA’s consultation portal is open until 21 August 2025.

Go to the Online Submission Form at https://consultation.epa.wa.gov.au/open-for-submissions/pinjarra-alumina-revised-bauxite-mining-per/consultation/intro/

Once there:

1. Provide your name and email
2. Tick “No, these are my personal views”
3. Tick “Other” to describe the group you represent
4. Tick “Both Assessment No 2385 and 2253”
5. Scroll to “10. Other matters you would like to raise” and write your couple of sentences
6. Click “Continue”, then “Submit Response”

That’s it – you’ve made your voice heard

What’s Being Assessed

Two major Alcoa proposals are under review:

1. Pinjarra Alumina Refinery Revised Proposal – expanding mining into Myara North, Holyoake, and O’Neil to supply the Pinjarra Refinery until 2045.
2. Short-Term Bauxite Mining Proposal (2023–2027) – expanding Huntly and Willowdale mines to supply the Pinjarra, Kwinana, and Wagerup refineries.

Read more here: EPA Fact Sheet & FAQs (PDF)

Need Help?

BirdLife WA is working on its own submission and will share our concerns soon should you wish to use them in your submission.

Later in the process, we’ll also be calling on you to write a short message to the Premier, the Minister for Environment, and your local MP.

We’re committed to fighting for Baudin’s – but we can’t do it alone.

Together, we can make our voices impossible to ignore

BirdLife WA Advocacy Committee