Reprieve for Perth’s little penguins as state holds off on construction

The state government’s changed its plans to start construction on Penguin Island during the breeding season of a decimated and vulnerable little penguin population, it can be revealed.

Initially, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions had plans to undertake construction works including installing a roof over a new deck, completion of a visitor information hub, and installation of visitor signage and interpretation, between August and September.

There are just 114 penguins left in the colony.Credit: Cam Myles/ Rockingham Wild Encounters

This would have placed the works right in the middle of the penguin breeding season and the plans attracted vocal alarm from scientists, who said they could have further impacted on population numbers that have already declined by 94 per cent in less than 20 years.

But the department has on Thursday told this masthead that, following an unsuccessful tender process, the works would not be undertaken before the island reopened to visitors in October.

A spokesperson said they were still aiming to carry out the works “as soon as possible”.

Save Rockingham’s Little Penguins convenor Dawn Jecks, who has been advocating for the population, said she was glad works were not yet proceeding.

However, she said the Department still seemed intent on carrying out the works soon, and could possibly begin before the timeframe recommended by scientists.

“We would reiterate that they listen to the advice of scientists and wait until January to do this work,” she said.

“In the meantime, we hope this gives the little penguins breathing space during this sensitive breeding period.”

Jecks has previously voiced concerns over “almost continual building works” on the island.

Another study from scientists at Curtin University has this week revealed continuous exposure to high noise levels from passing vessels and near-shore construction might increase stress and interfere with behaviours of the little penguins.

Jecks said the conclusions of the study were of “great concern”, and that it was another reason for the department to wait.

The department said it worked closely with local researchers and the City of Rockingham, and the newly published research would be considered as part of its ongoing conservation efforts.

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