Perth Voice Interactive

PROTESTERS in cockatoo masks roosted outside planning minister John Carey’s Perth office this week calling for stronger laws to protect WA’s natural environment.

The protest was part of the 9 Days of Action campaign from a broad coalition of environmental campaigners who want the Environmental Protection Authority’s independence strengthened because of “relentless industry lobbying”.

One of the areas highlighted by the group is the Greater Brixton Street Wetlands in Kenwick, which is home to three threatened species of black cockatoo, but is next door to a planned 257-hectare industrial park. 

The 9 Days of Action will reach it peak with an action outside WA Parliament at 12 noon on Tuesday August 6.

Save the Great Brixton Wetlands coordinator Paddy Cullen said WA needed strong nature laws to prevent the clearing of threatened species’ habitat.

“We showed up today to give voice to the black cockatoos that are at risk of losing their habitats from land clearing and development like the current threat to the Great Brixton Wetlands,” Mr Cullen said.

Urban Bushland Council WA chair Christine Richardson said WA nature was in crisis.

“In the midst of a worsening climate and ecosystem collapse we need better protections for our nature – not to weaken the few defences currently in place.

“At this critical moment, the WA government is poised to introduce nature law reforms to Parliament – with a real danger that these reforms could weaken the few defences currently in place, accelerating the destruction of our fragile environment.

“Our wetlands and bushlands won’t survive without strong nature laws!”