New $3.3M discovery centre set for Penguin Island

A new $3.3 million discovery centre on Rockingham's Penguin Island is set to be built in an effort to help the dwindling little penguin population.

The existing centre will be demolished which Environment Minister Reece Whitby said will free up more habitat and nesting areas for the penguins.

"The result of this will provide an additional 500 square metres of habitat for penguins and nesting seabirds," Mr Whitby said.

The new centre, set to start construction in summer 2023, will be located on the existing lawn area and will be constructed using raised decks to provide a cooler habitat and nesting areas underneath.

Concept design of the new Penguin Island Discovery Centre. PIC: Supplied 

"We will also investigate the possible use of water misting systems under the structure to further relieve penguins during summer," Mr Whitby said.

Mr Whitby said construction will be restricted to the summer months and will be completed before the penguins return to the island in April.

"Every effort is being made to minimise the disturbance to penguins and penguin habitat during the construction, with guidance from scientists and technical experts," Mr Whitby said.

"I have asked for the little penguin working group that assists the Department on the management of penguins at Penguin Island to arrange a special meeting which I will attend, so that I can hear firsthand the research, concerns and ideas.

"This working group includes University of Western Australia and Murdoch University researchers, City of Rockingham staff, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and DBCA staff."

The little penguin population has dropped dramatically from around 2000 birds 15 years ago to around 250 today.