The City of Rockingham is calling on the State Government to help boost the penguin population on Penguin Island.
The little penguin population on the island was found to have decreased significantly in the 2020 Little Penguin Monitoring Report conducted by Murdoch University.
Since the first study was conducted in 2007, it has been found the population has decreased by about 80 per cent.
Contributing factors include watercraft injury, public access to habitat on Penguin Island as well as warmer marine conditions impacting penguin food sources.
Given the island is under the care and control of the State Government, Council has now officially endorsed the position that conservation of the little penguin colony requires additional resources from the State including a specific management plan and the formation of a dedicated working group to govern the matter.
Mayor Barry Sammels said the City would also be writing to the Minister for Environment encouraging progress to support conservation of the little penguins.
“The City is acutely aware of the plight facing the little penguin population in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park and hopes that the State Government is able to provide additional resources to help tackle this issue,” Mayor Sammels said.
“The little penguin species and Penguin Island itself are iconic to the City of Rockingham, and we look forward to working with the relevant stakeholders to ensure the long term sustainability of the population.”
Pop-up ice skating rink glides back into Mandurah for winter school holidays
Federal opposition leader Angus Taylor sits down with local business owners in Mandurah
Police search for missing man last seen leaving Rockingham Hospital
West Aussies urged to be on high alert after surge in winter house fires
New $3.4 million boardwalk to be constructed at Lake Clifton thrombolites
City of Mandurah rolls out new tactile bin lids, accessibility stickers to support residents with low vision
Driver dies in hospital after Australind crash
Welfare concerns for woman with dementia last seen in Cooloongup
Charges laid over fatal West Coolup crash
