The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, including Penguin Island, is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) which reports to the WA State Government

Based on the documentary evidence I have obtained, here are the facts as I see them.

The DBCA have told the Environment Minister who in turn has told the Premier Mark McGowan that the DBCA is working with the City of Rockingham regarding the ongoing management of Penguin Island. This is claim is false.  

The truth is that despite the City of Rockingham advocating for the establishment of a working group to the Minister for Environment and DBCA, no commitment has been made to establish one.

This means that the DCBA have been sitting on the latest Penguin study report dated June 2020 for a year now showing an 80% decline in numbers since 2007 and they are still failing to act despite being urged to do so.

The suggestion that action has already been taken by reducing the speed limit in Shoalwater Islands Marine Park from 12 knots to 8 knots is also misleading.  

Firstly this insignificant speed reduction was made back in 2006 and this reduction only applied to the very small area at Seal Island. It’s essentially remains open slather everywhere else. It has clearly failed to help protect penguins because numbers have continued to plummet since this small reduction in speed limit introduced in 2006.

In order to get the WA Government to take action as a matter of urgency, we must continue to raise awareness amongst ordinary West Australians. I urge everyone to keep sharing this petition.

Yours for the Penguins, Dawn Jecks