Andrew Forrest launches appeal after proposed Ashburton River irrigation project rejected

An Indigenous woman has told a tribunal examining a development application by mining billionaire Andrew Forrest her people could be punished spiritually if they do not protect the Ashburton River.

Mr Forrest’s agricultural company is in the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) appealing against the WA Government’s decision to refuse permission to construct 10 weirs along the Ashburton River.

Thalanyji woman Glenys Hayes told the tribunal of the river’s importance.

She referred to water snakes being “bosses” of the Ashburton River and adjoining pools.