Almost $10m to secure Black Cockatoo habitat

• More than $9.3m spent to protect, rehabilitate black cockatoo habitats since 2008-09

• Environmental offsets used to buy private bushland with habitat suitable

Environment Minister Bill Marmion today released new figures that show more than $9.3million has been invested to protect and rehabilitate Western Australia's three species of black cockatoos since 2008-09.

This includes more than $7.7million from developers for purchasing and rehabilitating private bushland for environmental offsets linked to development approvals affecting Carnaby's, Baudin's and forest red-tailed cockatoos.

"The Perth metropolitan region is growing and this growth continues to place pressure on black cockatoo habitat," Mr Marmion said.

"The State Government recognises the importance of achieving the right balance between development and conservation. Through Federal and State Government offset policies we are securing habitat suitable for the species.

"While last year's Cocky Count indicated a decrease in numbers, I am advised by Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) scientists that we cannot be sure how much of the difference can be attributed to natural variation and other factors.  It is only the second year of the count using the same methodology and further data need to be collected.

"The State Government has invested $800,000 through the State Natural Resource Management Program in habitat and nesting surveys, the Great Cocky Count, habitat mapping, research into artificial nest boxes, and revegetation advice on plants most suitable for black cockatoos.

"Community groups, volunteers and industry are doing their part but without the State Government's leadership role and the on-ground work of the DEC and the WA Museum, black cockatoos would face even greater challenges than they do now.

"The DEC is preparing a new recovery plan for Carnaby's cockatoo, while volunteer-driven black cockatoo projects have received a total of $175,000 in the first three funding rounds of the Environmental Community Grants Program.

"To help us develop a fuller picture of cockatoo populations, I encourage interested people to sign up to be a volunteer in the next Great Cocky Count, which is the night of Sunday April 15."

The Minister said the State Government was currently working with the Federal Government on a strategic assessment of matters of national environmental significance under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which is aimed at improving conservation and development outcomes in the Perth and Peel regions.

      Fact File

• WA is home to three species of threatened black cockatoo: Carnaby's, Baudin's and the forest red-tailed

• More than 4,000ha of black cockatoo habitat in the vicinity of Perth has been protected via environmental offsets linked to development approvals

• To sign up to the Great Cocky Count, email greatcockycount@birdlife.org.au

Minister's office - 6552 6800