BLACK COCKATOO campaigners fear another feeding sanctuary in Jandakot is under threat after German waste giant Remondis purchased a block of thick banksia woodland, with its eye on future expansion.
Remondis bought two blocks spanning 4.7 hectares on Prinsep Road for $16.29 million earlier this month, just across the road from another contentious banksia-clearing project, Aventuur’s proposed wave park.
Conservationists say the remaining banksia trees are crucial for the survival of the birds, but bit-by-bit they’re disappearing from the region.
• Save the Black Cockatoos gathered at Jandakot’s banksia woodlands last Saturday, concerned they’re facing death from a thousand cuts. Photo by Miles Tweedie Photography
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“We live in a global biodiversity hotspot and are the only city in the world to have a banksia woodland on our doorstep,” says Save the Black Cockatoos campaign manager Paddy Cullen.
“This will cut ecological linkages between bush blocks and further reduce the available habitat.
Mr Cullen said precious bird habitat was being replaced with commercial spaces and residential areas, leaving the cockatoos with nowhere to live.
Black Cockatoos, especially Carnaby’s, rely on the seeds and refuge from banksia trees.
Experts have warned the birds could go extinct locally within a few decades as a result of habitat loss and degradation.
The Urban Bushland Council says the cockie population has already declined by 35 per cent over the last decade.
Last year more than 8000 people signed a petition aimed at blocking the surf park.
“This may not seem like a large area, but the two projects are a part of a bigger statistic that shows when it comes to planning and environmental laws, we are getting it badly wrong when we could be having a win- win for development and nature,” Mr Cullen said.
Selling agency Ray White described the land as “largely dormant”, but Mr Cullens says that doesn’t take into account its use by the cockies, whose diminishing flocks above Perth’s skies are proof that WA isn’t being creative enough with its development sites.
Remondis Australian office told the Herald it was aware of the woodland issue.
“Ultimately we’re looking at taking recycling operations to another level, thereby diverting waste from landfill and giving recyclables a second life,” the company said in a release.
“So we’re talking about massive environmental benefits.
“That said, we’re certainly aware of the woodland issue.
“This is a matter that will be looked at closely as we consult with stakeholders and government decision-makers.”
by LANI SIMMONDS
• Note: This article was updated August 5 with Remondis’s response.