When Ricky England embarked on a 250 km hike from Dwellingup to Perth, his goal was to connect with others and draw attention to a critical issue – the threat to WA’s Northern Jarrah Forest.
On WA Day, 3 June 2025, his long walk culminated in a powerful moment of community voice – approximately 2000 people took a stand alongside Ricky, braving the rain and cold to join him on the final leg of his walk to Parliament house.
“We Western Australians do not like to get wet, but we had so many people rock up on a very wet day. That says something,” said Ricky.
The Northern Jarrah Forest (NJF) holds immense ecological, cultural, and recreational value. It has been internationally recognised as a biodiversity hotspot, home to an abundance of native flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species like the numbat and Carnaby’s black cockatoo. With towering jarrah trees and famous trails like the Bibbulmun Track and the Munda Biddi, the area is also important for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
WHAT IS THE THREAT TO THE NORTHERN JARRAH FOREST?
Since the 1960s, bauxite has been mined in the Darling Range for aluminium production. It is the leading cause of deforestation in the Northern Jarrah Forest. Alcoa is now seeking to expand its mining operations in this area until 2027, and increase alumina production at the Pinjarra refinery until 2045.
“If you haven’t walked through the Helena Valley or over the Darling Range, you should. On one side, you see what Alcoa is doing to the water catchment. On the other, you see the pristine bush they want to get into,” said Ricky.
WA’s Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has raised concerns about the expansion given the risk of contamination to Serpentine Reservoir, a key part of Perth’s drinking water supply. Water Corporation has echoed these concerns, warning that 100,000 Perth residents could be affected if water contamination occurs.
“If you live in WA, you’ve turned on the tap – you trust that the water is clean. Now imagine learning that your water catchment may be polluted by a multinational. This is not an abstract issue. This is right here.”
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is currently reviewing Alcoa’s expansion plans, and public comments will play a crucial role in shaping their recommendations.
“Don’t miss this chance to speak up. If you care about this bit of bush in any way and you don’t make a submission, you might find that history for Western Australia changes,” urges Ricky.
WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?
Reach out to friends and family
“One of the most powerful things you can do is speak to something you really care about.”
Ricky shares that he emailed and texted everyone he knew to tell them about his concerns for the Northern Jarrah Forest, and the 250km he would undertake to raise awareness. Rather than being annoyed, Ricky’s friends and family listened, and stepped up to support him and to save the Northern Jarrah Forest.
“Reach out to your group of friends and have a barbecue or a dinner party and say, ‘This is a really important issue to me and I’d love you to support me. Here’s how you can support me.’ Ricky, who is an experienced mental health social worker, believes most friends and family members will want to support you, as “we’re always looking for opportunities to deepen our connection with one another – we just need the invitation”.
Connect people through story
“When you want to convince someone of something, don’t throw facts at them. Tell them a beautiful story that you connect with, and that connects them as well.”
“Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter how many facts you have, or how much good research you do, it’s not enough to convince governments, multinational shareholders, or a large portion of the public,” says Ricky. “But stories are very powerful.”
One of Ricky’s key motivations for undertaking a 250 km walk was to invite other people to walk alongside him and to connect with the story of the Northern Jarrah Forest, creating a community of people who care enough to challenge what is happening there.
Reach out to decision makers
“Don’t underestimate the power of our hiking community. Hikers are voters, too.”
Contact your local politicians and share why the Northern Jarrah Forest is important to you and your community, and why it needs protection.
Walk through the forest
“It’s so important to see this place in person. Once you’re there, you’ll understand why it’s worth fighting for.”
Ricky will be running Little Jarrah Walks on the 26th and 27th of July to take people through the affected area.
This resource from Jarrahdale Forest Protectors also offers an opportunity for a self-guided tour of the area under threat.
Make a submission to the EPA
“I hope we get 10,000 people sharing their personal accounts of why this place is so precious to Western Australians.”
Ricky suggests focusing on whatever touches you about this issue. “If you are angry about your water catchment, if you love the Bibbulmun track and think it should be protected, if you’ve been in the Darling Range and wondered why it’s not a national park, if you love birds and wildlife”, make that the basis of your submission.
You can make a submission to the EPA via their consultation hub. The public review period is open until 21 August 2025.
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