WA Government’s Green Growth Plan for Perth-Peel region could cause a disastrous loss of critical habitat and push iconic endangered species, like Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo, to the verge of extinction.
EDOWA Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Released in December 2015, the WA Government’s “Perth and Peel Green Growth Plan for 3.5 million” would fast-track industrial, residential and infrastructure development in the Perth Metro region and could result in the loss of nearly 90,000 hectares of native bush.
It would clear over 20,000 hectares of Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo habitat resulting in a possible 55% reduction in cockatoo numbers in Perth – risking this population’s extinction altogether.
It’s hard to estimate the plan’s full impact because many of its details have yet to be released. Among other things, detailed and searchable digital mapping of the affected areas have yet to be made available to the public, including areas of clearing, pre-existing Bush Forever or other protected areas and new areas for industrial and infrastructure development – such as extensions of the Roe Highway.
While many of the details are missing, from what we can already see, the impact on native flora, fauna and ecological communities could be devastating. Many species may never recover from loss of habitat critical for their survival.
The Environmental Defender’s Office WA is a non-profit, non-government community legal centre specialising in public interest environmental law.
As a result of continued government funding cuts, EDOWA is seeking $10,000 in public support to help pay to prepare and publish a detailed report, objectively analysing the environmental, economic and social impacts of the Government’s plan.
There’s no time to lose. Public comments on the Green Growth Plan are now due by 13 May 2016.
Please make a tax-deductible contribution today.