Release of management plan for Shoalwater Islands

Sea-lions and penguins will be given further protection under a new management plan for the Shoalwater Islands, near Rockingham, released today by Environment Minister Bob Pearce.

An estimated $250,000 will be allocated under the recently announced Perth Outdoors Program, to help implement the plan.

The Perth Outdoors Program, funded in this year's State budget, will encourage Perth residents to make better use of local recreation sites.

The Shoalwater Islands Management Plan was prepared by the Department of Conservation and Land Management on behalf of the National Parks and Nature Conservation Authority.

The plan includes zones to protect nesting bird habitats and beaches frequented by Australian sea-lions, as well as plans to meet the needs of visitors while minimising the impact of visitor activities.

"The Shoalwater Islands are Perth's most ecologically significant and heavily visited island chain," Mr Pearce said.

"Penguin Island, the largest island, is a popular tourist destination, with up to 70,000 people visiting the island each year.

"It also supports the largest breeding population of 'Fairy', or 'Little' penguins on the west coast of Australia.

"Nearby Seal Island is closed to the public to safeguard the Australian sea-lion, a specially protected species, which uses the island as a resting site."

Mr Pearce said about 50 species of bird also used the islands. They included migratory species protected by international treaties.

The management plan encouraged appropriate research on these species and their nesting, feeding and breeding habitats and limited public access to specific areas.

He said the plan recommends that the number of buildings on Penguin Island be limited to increase potential penguin nesting sites.

Funds from the Perth Outdoors Program will go towards:

·         building raised boardwalks on Penguin Island to allow visitors to view nesting sites without disturbing them;

·         removing derelict and remnant building materials from Penguin Island;

·         developing day and night time ecotourism and visitor activity programs;

·         establishing interpretive displays on the penguins and other birdlife.

A major interpretive display will also be established at the Mersey Point Centre in association with the Shire of Rockingham.

The visitor centre is expected to be an important focus for visitors to Rockingham and Warnbro Sound.

Mr Pearce said the thrust of the plan was to develop the islands' tourist potential by ensuring that their conservation values, which attracted visitors, were protected.