By Cat Beaton

West Mallee Protection (WMP) is a newly formed group which supports the Kokatha Mula Nation peoples and projects. WMP emerged from an alliance between environmentalists and Kokatha Mula people who share concerns and see the need for positive action to protect the outback Ceduna region in South Australia.

With the combination of traditional knowledge and enviro-based networking skills and abilities we aim to secure this region under complete protection, address environmental degradation, promote its ancient heritage and defend cultural rights into the future.

A major area of focus begins 50 kms northwest of Ceduna in the Yumbarra Conservation Park, to the north it meets the Yellabinna Regional Reserve and to the east, the Pureba Conservation Park. These lands cover four million hectares and hold rare melding eco-systems. The terrain is sand hills, mallee woodlands, granite outcrops, rockholes and soaks. In this environment, rare animals and plants plants such as a miniature marsupial mole, a slender-billed thornbill and the Ooldea Guinea-flower thrive. With only few surveys conducted, the extent of unique flora and fauna within this region is unknown.
 
All life in this region is intrinsically linked to the Kokatha Mula culture. This is one of the few areas in SA still in pristine condition, almost untouched.

Sadly, this area faces a great threat. The exploration, mining and mineral export industries have shown active interest for profit in this region. Minerals formed many years ago as part of the ancient shoreline are now covered by the three conservation parks. Unfortunately, the status of a conservation park or regional reserve does not prohibit mineral exploration or mining. Some "wilderness" zoning would provide adequate safeguarding against industrial development and such protection – until land justice is met – would be a step in the right direction.

Protecting these places, retaining their heritage and defending the health of the area is why the WMP group exists. WMP is one of the many responses to the SA states mining boom, to challenge the practices and principles of mining activities and its compatibility with land, history and culture.

The most developed project in the area is the proposed Jacinth-Ambrosia zircon mine in the north of the Yellabinna Regional Reserve. An environmental impact survey is currently under departmental assessment for approval and if successful the company would like production underway by 2010.

Exploration licenses – mainly for mineral sands – have been issued throughout the three conservation parks. WMP researches the impacts of exploration and mining, letting the local community and the broader public know issues that mining companies and the pro-mining state government often do not make available. Given the need for employment opportunities in this remote region we face a big challenge and look to promote positive initiatives which will enrich the community and economic status of the region.

WMP’s involvement in this area also includes organising the Rockhole Recovery Project. This includes a bi-annual open 4x4 adventure to assess the health and clean rockholes. Between these trips WMP and the Kokatha Mula Nation frequent the region for maintenance and study. WMP also operates within the community of Ceduna and is looking to expand the Paper Club – a means to recycle paper and create fuel sources for winter, and mechanics meets which involve maintenance of vehicles and the investigation of alternative fuels and sustainable modes of transport in a remote area.

This area boasts the largest stretch of old-growth mallee woodlands in the world and as custodian Sue Haseldine says: "It is a place for everyone to experience nature in its pure form."

We encourage all people, families and groups to get involved in this ancient wonderland, as it has so much to offer all people. Ideas for projects are welcome and encouraged and any kind of support is appreciated.

We thank the FoE Australia network for making WMP its newest affiliate group. We look forward to the collaboration, support and myriad of exciting projects ahead.

For more information and to get involved call:
Cat Beaton:  0434 257359
Breony Carbines:  0423 910492
Email: <westmallee@gmail.com>
And check out <www.kokathamula.auspics.org.au>