Allegations of Greenwashing Emerge Over Alcoa Sponsorship of Perth's Kings Park Festival

Strategic Insights -

As public comment closes on the independent scrutiny of US miner Alcoa's operations in the northern jarrah forests, the company's alleged $200,000 donation to Perth's iconic Kings Park has been drawn into allegations of greenwashing. The donation, which the state government claimed it was not aware of, was denied by both Alcoa and the Kings Park board, with the board instead claiming the money was for an international scientific conference on seed science. However, renowned horticulturalist Sabrina Hahn has suggested that the board may have quietly rejected the funding after being contacted by media following a budget estimates hearing. The issue has sparked concerns over the funding of the Everlasting Kings Park Festival and whether the board has compromised its principles by accepting sponsorship from a company involved in large-scale mining in the northern jarrah forest.

Key Takeaways:

  • Alcoa allegedly donated $200,000 to Kings Park, which was denied by the company and the board.
  • The donation was claimed to be for an international scientific conference on seed science, not the festival.
  • Renowned horticulturalist Sabrina Hahn suggests the board may have quietly rejected the funding after being contacted by media.
  • The issue has sparked concerns over the funding of the Everlasting Kings Park Festival.
  • The board has been accused of compromising its principles by accepting sponsorship from a company involved in large-scale mining in the northern jarrah forest.
  • Former Kings Park board member Hans Lambers stated he would have quit if sponsorship from Alcoa was accepted.
  • A statement from Alcoa claims the company has a "long history of providing financial and in-kind support" to environmental research.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency has received around 59,000 submissions regarding Alcoa's plans for mining in the northern jarrah forest.
  • Conservation Council WA executive director Matt Roberts stated it is "staggering" if the board allegedly accepted sponsorship from Alcoa.

Statistics:

  • 400: The equivalent number of Kings Parks that Alcoa will have cleared in the northern jarrah forest by 2045 if its plans are realized.
  • 59,000: The number of submissions received by the Environmental Protection Agency regarding Alcoa's plans for mining in the northern jarrah forest.
  • 2025: The year by which Alcoa plans to complete its mining operations in the northern jarrah forest.
  • 250: The number of referred journal papers and book chapters supported by Alcoa over more than five decades.
  • 80: The number of technical studies supported by Alcoa.
  • 60: The number of higher-degree research theses supported by Alcoa.

Sources:

  • "Budget Estimates Hearing with DBCA" (26 August 2023)
  • Letter from Botanical Gardens and Parks Authority Board chairwoman Gail McGowan to Conservation Council WA executive director Matt Roberts
  • Statement from Alcoa
  • ABC Radio interview with Hans Lambers