Julimar Forest is the site of an extensive drilling program to map a large ore deposit that is predicted to turn Toodyay into a valuable source of rare metals to power growing world demand for electric vehicles.

Chalice Mining has already discovered deposits worth billions of dollars on nearby private land in Julimar and has secured State Government permits to drill in the forest, which it has been doing for the past year.

Wildlife surveys are being conducted by Birdlife Australia, the Julimar Conservation and Forest Alliance and other local volunteer environmental groups.

Members reported last May that they had discovered a Crested Shrike Tit (pictured left) which had not been seen in the forest for the previous 20 years.

Volunteers fear that drilling noise and disruption caused by mining exploration activity will disrupt habitats and cause rare birdlife to disappear.

A coalition of environmental groups is lobbying the State Government for Julimar Forest to be declared a national park.

A spokesperson for Chalice Mining said the company was continuing to conduct “low-impact” exploration according to State Government approvals.

“The drilling is conducted in accordance with the multiple environmental management measures in place to protect the environmental sensitivities of the region as governed by our Conservation Management Plan,” the spokesperson said.

“Low-impact exploration methods include the use of small footprint, track-mounted drill rigs and ongoing wildlife and cultural heritage monitoring in the area.

“Often, access on tracks surrounding the drill rig are restricted in compliance with our exploration conditions.

“When drilling is occurring on a track, traffic management is in place as required to minimise recreational impacts, and for the safety of others.

“The Julimar State Forest remains open and accessible to the community.

Chalice recognises the importance of the Camino Salvado Pilgrimage and has ongoing, two-way communication with the group.”

Facebook’s guidelines can be found at bit.ly/2Cg2cur.

They usually contain common elements, including that moderators (or ‘admins’) are accountable to group members for their actions and decisions.

This means responding openly and respectfully to legitimate concerns raised by aggrieved group members.

Explaining why posts have been deleted or members penalised will help a group to function more effectively.

Transparency also provides an opportunity for further discussion if group members disagree with a decision.

Administering a group with fairness and equity reduces the chance of members feeling victimised or voiceless.

It also reduces the ‘echo chamber’ effect that serves to perpetuate myths and further spread damaging misinformation.

Consistent decision-making and correct application of group rules will increase confidence and trust within the group.

Recognition and respect for members’ different values, knowledge and skills can create a constructive group dynamic that benefits all members.

On the other hand, allowing a Facebook group to spread unchecked misinformation can be socially destructive.

Pharmaceutical treatments not backed by randomised double-blind trials or lacking sufficiently large epidemiological studies should be regarded as misinformation.

False claims that hydroxychloroquine can prevent COVID-19 is an example of potentially lethal misinformation.

All moderators have a responsibility to check if false claims are being used to hijack group discussions and disrupt community cohesion.

Physically impossible claims such as 5G mobile phone networks causing cancer and microchips being concealed in vaccines should be blocked as misleading nonsense.

False claims by opportunists such as deregistered UK physician Andrew Wakefield that mumps, measles and rubella vaccines cause autism should also be blocked.

These are often accompanied by demands to “do your own research” and a rejection of scientific evidence that often ends in abusive slanging matches.

Failure to discourage misinformation suggests a hidden agenda.

A study reported by the American Society for Microbiology found that nearly eight in 10 adults believe in at least one false statement about COVID-19 or are unsure about it.

The damage this causes within communities can be found at bit.ly/3Qmd6qe.

Tenders were advertised before Christmas after the shire obtained advice from WA health authorities on how to proceed.

A confidential draft “General Practice Agreement” was endorsed behind closed doors on the afternoon of February 1, just three hours before this edition of The Toodyay Herald went to press.

The incoming doctor is expected to employ other GPs part-time to ensure an adequate level of patient care at the normally busy practice.

The council agreed to pay an undisclosed annual subsidy to the new doctor, who will be required to report back to the shire annually on “practice activities”.

The new doctor will have exclusive use of the medical centre, with furniture, internet and computers provided by the shire.

Building insurance, building maintenance and upkeep of the grounds will also be funded and managed by the shire.

Patients’ records will remain the property of the shire upon termination of the new contract, “subject to legislative requirements such as the Privacy Act”.

The cost of power, water and other utilities will be shared equally between the doctor and the shire.

Councillors also agreed to offer a 100 per cent rates subsidy on any property “purchased by the doctor for the practice”.

They agreed to consider providing a vehicle to the new doctor at the end of the first year of the new contract.

All Toodyay volunteer fire brigades were quickly called out, followed by about 200 firefighting units from surrounding shires and Perth.

The full-scale emergency included use of continuous streams of firefighting helicopters and aerial water bombers.

The bushfire burnt out of control for two days but light winds enabled it to be contained without damage to homes, crops or livestock.

A small amount of grazing land was reportedly burnt out.

The fire was contained by Tuesday night and mopping up and further containment is due to continue well into this month.

Volunteer firefighters remained wary that fresh winds may cause it to flare up again.

No forced evacuations were required but the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services warned residents in the Cobbler Pool area and parts of Julimar, West Toodyay and Coondle to be prepared to leave their homes or defend their properties.

An evacuation centre was set up at Toodyay’s Memorial Hall on the first night of the fire.

About 15 people attended in the early evening but left for dinner and did not return.

The evacuation centre was closed at about 2am after most residents returned to their homes or spent the night elsewhere.

WA’s Strike Force Vulcan police arson squad is investigating the cause of the fire and urges anyone with information to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.