Penguin Island is an iconic part of Rockingham and the conservation of our little penguins is a priority of mine.

Our State Government is committed to supporting the penguin population and has worked harder than any government before us to protect the population on Penguin Island. We actively work with local researchers and the City of Rockingham to conserve our penguins.

The findings of the most recent population estimate are concerning. Research shows that the penguin decline is primarily due to climate change, with key factors being warming sea temperatures, marine heatwaves, changing rainfall patterns and declining baitfish supply.

The little penguins on Penguin Island are the northernmost penguin population on the Western Australian coastline.

We are working hard to support the vulnerable penguin population on the island and have implemented a range of measures to protect them, including:

• An annual winter closure period of tourists to Penguin Island during peak breeding season;
• Installed new and improved nest boxes better suited for the warmer climate;
• Enforcement of the eight knot vessel speed restriction in the bay;
• Provision of water bowls;
• Trial of a water misting system to aid moulting penguins during the summer months;
• Weed management and rehabilitation of native vegetation;
• Not proceeding with plans to build a new discovery centre on the island, and;
• Enforcing island closures on days when the temperature is forecast to exceed 35 degrees.

There are currently 125 artificial nest boxes on the island which are designed to improve penguin nesting conditions and reduce temperatures during the summer period. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) carries out fortnightly nest box monitoring during the breeding season which provides up-to-date information on the condition of penguin chicks in the nest boxes. Chicks identified as requiring intervention are taken into care of licensed wildlife rehabilitators prior to being released back on Penguin Island when their age and body condition are appropriate.

Tourism plays an important role on the island by educating visitors about the penguins and promoting enjoyment of our State’s natural environment. DBCA in consultation with scientists carefully assesses tourism initiatives to ensure minimal impact on the penguin population.

Works are underway to finalise the enhanced visitor facilities, which aim to be ready before the island reopens on 15 October 2024. These improvements are crucial for educating visitors about the island’s unique wildlife, ensuring the penguins' protection while allowing people to enjoy the island.

Works include the installation of a roof over the new deck, an information hub, and visitor signage and interpretation. These works follow the recent planting of native seedlings to provide additional penguin habitat in the location of the previous Penguin Island Discovery Centre.

The remaining works are restricted to the existing deck and boardwalks and will not involve any disturbance of penguin habitat.

As much as possible, pre-fabrication works will be undertaken off-island. DBCA staff will be present on Penguin Island to monitor the construction works, including undertaking daily checks to ensure no penguins are present within the work area. Strict conditions will be in place to ensure any potential impact to penguins, or their habitat is minimised.

The health and wellbeing of the penguins will always be the State Government’s top priority when it comes to planning for the island.

I am closely working with DBCA and the Environment Minister on this issue, and I will continue to advocate for the safety and protection of the penguin population, as well as the delivery of the Penguin Discovery Centre on the mainland.

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