South32 Worsley Alumina and Peel-Harvey Catchment Council (PHCC) have launched a major new partnership that will help to protect, preserve and rejuvenate the local environment in Western Australia’s Peel and Wheatbelt regions.

The Hotham-Williams Warlang Boodja (Hotham-Williams Healthy Country) partnership is an exciting new initiative that will enable PHCC, a community-based not-for-profit organisation, to work with the community on a range of natural resource management projects in the Hotham-Williams subcatchment. South32 Worsley Alumina is committing AU$625,000 in funding over five years.

Under the new five-year partnership, PHCC will undertake the Hotham-Williams Warlang Bilya (Hotham-Williams Healthy Rivers) Project, where PHCC will focus on eight priority sites to improve habitat and ecological function of the river corridors.

In addition, PHCC will deliver other environmental projects which align with the Hotham-Williams Natural Resource Management Plan, such as the Tunbridge Gully Restoration Project near Boddington.

PHCC will also employ an additional team member, operating out of its Boddington office, who will work with the community to implement priority activities.

PHCC and South32 Worsley Alumina have worked together since 2016 on various environmental projects, with the signing of this partnership taking the relationship to a new level.

South32 Worsley Alumina Vice President Operations Noel Pillay said: “We are committed to responsible environmental management and we are delighted to partner with PHCC. We recognise the importance of working with the local community to protect and preserve areas of ecological and cultural significance and the Hotham-Williams Warlang Boodja will deliver great outcomes for communities across the region.”

“This is South32 Worsley Alumina’s largest community investment in recent years, representing a AU$625,000 commitment over five years.”

PHCC Chairperson, Caroline Knight said: “PHCC is pleased to form this long-term partnership with South32 Worsley Alumina. It will enable our work with the Hotham-Williams community to continue to grow, with a focus on the priorities set by our community, in the Hotham-Williams Natural Resources Management Plan and overarching PHCC Natural Resources Management Strategy. We are so pleased to work together with the community on a shared vision for our catchment and to continue to grow our capacity in the Hotham-Williams.”

This new partnership will value add to an existing partnership PHCC has with the four Local Governments in the upper catchment (Boddington, Cuballing, Wandering and Williams) and Newmont Australia, known as the Hotham-Williams Rivers & Tributaries’ Natural Resource Management and Conservation Project (2018-2022).

The Local Government/Newmont partnership has been very successful in enabling natural resource management in the upper catchment, including the preparation of a dedicated River Action Plan and river health studies to inform investment in priority areas along the Hotham and Williams Rivers.

The PHCC team has begun consulting with the community to understand their vision and priority for the eight sites on the Hotham and Williams Rivers.  This consultation will inform the detailed design of the sites and the new partnership with South32 Worsley Alumina will enable restoration works to be implemented over the next five years, enhancing environmental, social and cultural values at these important locations along the rivers.

Ends

About South32

South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company. Our purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people’s lives now and for generations to come. We are trusted by our owners and partners to realise the potential of their resources. We produce bauxite, alumina, aluminium and metallurgical coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc at our operations in Australia, Southern Africa and South America. With a focus on growing our base metals exposure, we also have two development options in North America and several partnerships with junior explorers around the world.

Further Information

Media Relations – Peel Harvey Catchment Council

Jane O’Malley, Chief Executive Officer, Peel-Harvey Catchment Council
T
(08) 6369 8800
E Jane.Omalley@peel-harvey.org.au

Media Relations – South32

Miles Godfrey

T +61 415 325 906

E Miles.Godfrey@south32.net

We acknowledge the Noongar people as Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to all Elders past and present