Water extraction harms trees and wildlife in WA

Traditional owners in Western Australia are raising concerns about the decline of trees and wildlife in their sacred sites due to heavy water extraction by the mining industry. Elaine James, a member of the Robe River Kuruma community, feels a deep sense of failure as she witnesses the barren riverbeds where water used to flow. Since 2014, Rio Tinto has extracted water from the Bungaroo Valley, taking up to 10 billion liters annually with government approval. This water is essential for drinking and industrial use in nearby towns, but traditional owners say the extraction is harming the land. Hydrologist Ryan Vogwill reported a significant drop in groundwater levels, forcing trees to dig deeper for water. The Yindjibarndi people, who also observe environmental damage, have urged state authorities to intervene regarding the Millstream Aquifer, which is another major water source being overused. Michael Woodley, a Yindjibarndi leader, reported that before, the area was lush with life, but now it is dry and barren. Rio Tinto and the government acknowledge that current water extraction practices cannot continue. They are exploring alternatives like seawater desalination. A new desalination plant is under construction, aiming to produce 4 billion liters of water annually, with plans to double its capacity in the future. However, some community members are calling for immediate action to stop water extraction in the Bungaroo Valley. Leon Adam, a Robe River Kuruma member, expressed frustration over the damage already done. He and others emphasize that faster changes are necessary to protect their land and culture.