A PETITION calling on the State Government to protect a recently discovered ‘mega roost’ of Carnaby’s black cockatoos in Pinjar has attracted support from around the world.
Sydney mother Cali Prince started the online petition after reading the Times article on May 10 about a record 5000-strong flock of the cockatoos found in the Pinjar pine plantation, an area which would be cleared under the government’s draft Perth and Peel Green Growth Plan for 3.5 million.
“I was absolutely horrified that the government was even considering destroying the habitat of the endangered Carnaby’s black cockatoo,” she said.
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“I am sickened beyond belief that we can contemplate leaving such a world for our children where more and more of our most precious species of animals go extinct – when in fact we could have done something to prevent it.
“A more suitable solution must be found.”
Ms Prince said the petition received 800 signatures in less than a day and now had nearly 1700 supporters from Australia, Canada and California, Mississippi, Oregon and New Jersey in the US.
Prominent indigenous performer Noel Tovey has given his support for the cause, as has New York-based author and bird enthusiast Jonathan Franzen.
Darwin-based experienced birding guide and author Denise Lawungkurr Goodfellow shared the petition with former client Franzen and said birding tourism was a huge industry.
“It’s relatively inelastic; it fluctuates less than sightseeing tourism,” she said.
“After the destruction of the Twin Towers, sightseeing tourism slowed and yet I had as many birding clients as ever.
“Threaten keystone species like Carnaby’s cockatoo and that will do what terrorism couldn’t – put the birders off coming.”
The petition was submitted to the Department of Premier and Cabinet and Ms Prince said she would continue to provide them with updates on its progress.
Planning Minister Donna Faragher told the Legislative Council on May 10 that despite submissions now closing, the department would “continue to engage with stakeholders on this environmental plan”.
The petition is at tinyurl.com/go9wu9b.