Mining Impacts on Hiking in the Darling Range
Bauxite mining in the Darling Range is a growing threat to Western Australia’s hiking community, impacting both current and future bushwalking opportunities. The Northern Jarrah Forest — known for its jarrah forests and wandoo woodlands — has long been a popular hiking destination due to its proximity to Perth.
Mining leases now cover nearly 10,000 square kilometres, with over 60,000 hectares already cleared. Mining is projected to continue until at least 2070, further reducing access to natural areas.
HikeWest’s position
HikeWest is not opposed to mining, but we strongly advocate for sustainable practices that minimise adverse impacts on forests, trails, and hikers. Mining is causing deforestation, trail fragmentation, and the loss of high-quality bushwalking experiences, without adequate planning for recreation or assessment of long-term social and environmental costs.
HikeWest is calling for:
- Policy reforms that prioritise multiple-use forest management and incorporate environmental and social cost assessments.
- Transparency and community engagement in mining decisions.
- Mitigation strategies to maintain trail access, scenic forest landscapes, and buffers.
- Precautionary planning that protects recreational opportunities.
- Public awareness and advocacy to ensure hiking remains accessible for future generations.
The forests of the Darling Range are vital for recreation, conservation, and community wellbeing. HikeWest urges the WA Government, mining industry and stakeholders to work together on sustainable solutions that balance economic development with protection of WA’s unique hiking opportunities.