Rockingham locals object to Penguin Island Discovery Centre

Rockingham residents have raised major environmental concerns with the recently announced $3.3 million upgrade to the Penguin Island Discovery Centre, with a petition calling for a rethink gaining more than 1000 signatures in just one week.

The ‘Save our Little Penguins’ petition outlines several concerns over construction of a new centre, including the disturbance of the penguins’ breeding season and natural habitat, and suggests the relocation of the centre to the mainland.

Golden Bay business owner Nikki Lee is one of those to raise concerns over the proposal, as she feels the building would cause “destruction” to the penguins’ existing habitat.

“The island is their home, there is no point having a penguin discovery centre if there are no penguins to visit and observe in their natural habitat,” she said.

“There should always be community consultation, however the advice from the scientists that specialise in and have studied this penguin population should not be ignored.

“We already have a discovery centre in Rockingham (and) Naragebup Environmental Centre, I would rather see the State Government invest more money there to continue their wildlife conservation efforts, and to provide ongoing education to locals and tourists.”

The Penguin Island Discovery Centre was part of a State election commitment announced in February last year, and the State Government is currently in discussions with the City of Rockingham on the project.

A spokesperson for the State Government said the government was “committed to working in good faith with all stakeholders involved in the management of Penguin Island”.

“Consultation on the management of the area is an ongoing process and includes advice from the experts who work with the wildlife on the island,” the spokesperson said.

The City of Rockingham has recommended council not accept the proposal in its current form and is seeking further assessment on the full impact on the little penguin colony of construction of a new discovery centre.

The City has also recommended that council directs the chief executive to lobby the State Government for a delay in construction of a new facility until the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions “conducts a thorough and transparent options analysis, involving all stakeholders and including industry experts” to establish the optimum location for a new centre.

Construction on the proposed Penguin Island Discovery Centre is set for April 2023.