UPDATE 02.02.24 - We were able to stop the proposed upgrades and are now focussing on our other petition called 'Save our Little Penguins', calling for a management plan. Please sign and share that one now, thanks 

Penguin Island - Concerns re Proposed Facilities Upgrade

The numbers of little penguins on Penguin Island are estimated to have declined by 80% between 2007 and 2019 and there are now thought to be just 150 - 200 left in the colony. 

Disturbingly, there are currently plans afoot by the DBCA that may push the remaining local population to extinction.

The proposal plans to construct a boardwalk over an area of high-quality penguin nesting habitat. The proposed location of the boardwalk is also concerning as it runs within a few metres of an important penguin landing site. This could have significant implications for accessibility to the breeding colony for arriving penguins.

While the final reports on the most recent breeding season are not yet out, anecdotally we know that breeding has been concerningly low. Extinction of this colony is drawing ever closer under our watch. 

Experts have expressed deep concerns at the potential significant negative impacts of proposed facilities upgrades on breeding Little Penguins on Penguin Island

Scientists are concerned that proposed additional infrastructure on the site of prime penguin habitat, adjacent to landing sites and penguin thoroughfares, may push the local population to extinction and have repeatedly warned the DBCA about the potential impacts of this proposed boardwalk.

This site is extensively used by penguins for moulting due to its proximity to the beach, proximity to a landfall site and cooler microclimate. Penguins use both the boardwalk and a large habitat tree that provides an optimal moulting environment. Construction that impedes access to these sites, or discourages use, could force penguins to moult in less optimal environments potentially leading to increased risk of heat stress.

The proposed additional boardwalk is only for aesthetic and ‘visitor flow’ reasons. There is already sufficient boardwalk, so it is completely unnecessary. 

We need to act as a matter of urgency as it is now only weeks prior to the proposed commencement of works.

Sign our petition and tell Minister Whitby, as well as local Rockingham state member Magenta Marshall, Premier Roger Cook, Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti, and federal member for Brand Madeleine King, that for the sake of our little penguins, the proposal to construct a boardwalk over an area of high-quality penguin nesting habitat must be stopped immediately. Plans for the new boardwalk across this high-quality nesting habitat presents too much of a risk to the penguin colony.