A Traditional Owner group in West Australia’s Pilbara have hit out at mining magnate Andrew Forrest for his plans to develop on the Ashburton River.
The Minderoo Station, owned by Mr Forrest are pushing plans to construct a series of weirs along the river, redirecting water to support the station’s expansion into growing fruit and vegetables.
The station currently operates as a cattle station and Minderoo says its expansion will bring jobs for the region.
CEO of the Buurabalayji Thalanyji Aboriginal Corporation says the river is of cultural significance to Traditional Owners.
He says Minderoo have been invited to meetings and they didn’t show.
The local shire have denied plans to develop the river and Minderoo have announced they will appeal the decision.
(IMAGE:Wikipedia_ https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8c/Ashburton_River%2C_Western_Australia.jpg)
