The South Coast Track is a premiere wilderness experience. At almost 100 kilometres in length, this ancient Aboriginal route includes some of the most rugged south-facing coastline in the world - cliffs, mountains, sweeping beaches and lagoons, heathlands and forests - and is globally renowned for this spectacular and highly remote scenery and unique Aboriginal cultural and historical heritage. 

The Ironbounds, Precipitous Bluff and New RIver Lagoon, the South Cape Rivulet, Cox’s Bight, and more... These iconic places are awash with a rich natural and cultural history, recognised and protected in the creation of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in 1982.

While it remains iconic and protected, the very essence of the wild and remote coast - and the sanctuary it gives to iconic threatened species - is under threat from a state government determined to privatise world heritage land, including a proposed 7 private developments and associated infrastructure along the length of the South Coast Track that is still in the pipeline. To protect the integrity of World Heritage wilderness, this is another proposal which needs to be stopped. 

In the lead up to summer - and as trips are planned and boots, gators, and 8 days of food packed up and prepared for the trip - we’re settling in for a night at The Duke of beautiful slides and stories to delve a little deeper into the South Coast Track and what makes it one of the most special wild hikes in the world. 

Speakers from the trip include (avid bushwalkers):

• Dan Broun, Fishers & Walkers Tasmania
• Andy Szollosi, Tasmanian Wilderness Guides Association
• Marlee Hurn, Wilderness Society Volunteer & SCT BioBlitz co-coordinator
• Jimmy Cordwell, Wilderness Society Tasmania

Reserve your seat, enjoy a beverage and a meal at the Duke, and see you there!

This event will take place on the sovereign and unceded lands of the Palawa people, the rightful owners of lutruwita / Tasmania.

Parking & Public Access: Street-parking is available although it is minimal. Public transport is available to within 100 metres of the venue, both on Macquarie and Davies Streets. The event will be held downstairs at the venue, which is wheelchair accessible. 

Water is life. But right now companies like Black Mountain and Buru Energy are looking to open up the Kimberley to fracking, and the pristine Martuwarra Fitzroy River is at risk of being poisoned before it’s protected. 

If fracking corporations have their way, thousands of wells will be drilled across the Kimberley, risking leaking toxic ‘forever’ chemicals into our groundwater and releasing millions of tonnes of emissions.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has promised to put stronger water protections in our national environment laws – but not until next year, when there could already be significant damage to water, land, and climate. 

Traditional Owners and local communities have defended Western Australia from fracking for over a decade, and together, we can demonstrate a huge show of support for the Minister to take immediate action. The fracking industry is here now, and we can show the government that our regulations must catch up before it's too late. 

Join us to hear from experts from organisations including 350 Boorloo Perth, Environs Kimberley, and Doctors for the Environment, to find out how we can build a grassroots movement here in WA to ensure we have climate laws that work for communities not corporations. 

With your help we can keep the iconic Kimberley region frack free and our water and climate safe for generations to come. 

Join the Wilderness Society, WA Forest Alliance, and Jarrahdale Forest Protectors for a picnic and community photo shoot at Serpentine Dam to demonstrate the public's opposition to Alcoa's destruction of forests and risks to water.

The US bauxite mining company has been in the spotlight for destroying forest habitat, risking Perth's water supply through mining in Reservoir Protection Zones, piping toxic waste over a dam, as well as the company's total lack of rehabilitation.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is currently making a historic decision about whether to assess Alcoa's mine plans, which could result in their clearing of native forests being brought to a stop.

We know that Alcoa is putting a lot of pressure on the State Government to make a quick decision in its favour so we must counter that pressure and show that the community won't stand by the EPA being bullied by industry and that we want Alcoa out of the remaining Northern Jarrah Forests.

This is a great opportunity to show up for forests as well as learn more from campaigners about the risks facing the Northern Jarrah Forests.

Please RSVP so we have an idea of numbers and can keep you updated.

Details

Sunday 8 October 10:30am - 1pm
After the picnic (approx 11:30am) we will move to the dam wall for a group photo.

Please bring a plate to share, a thermos or drinks, a picnic blanket or chairs.

We will have a banner for people to hold for the photo but you are also welcome to bring additional signs.

Banner painting workshops will be held beforehand on Tuesday 26 Sep and Monday 2 Oct. Find more info and register here.

We will meet at the Serpentine (Main) Dam Picnic Area, Jarrahdale on the western side, which if coming from the North is on the right-hand side of Kingsbury Drive after going over the dam wall. There is additional parking opposite, on the left-hand side of Kingsbury Drive.

Please note: The dam is part of the Serpentine National Park, and entry fees may apply.

If you have any questions please contact Jordan (Wilderness Society) [email protected] or Jess Boyce (WA Forest Alliance) [email protected] | 0410 412 254