❓ The question addresses the significant decline of the little penguin population on Penguin Island, the delayed report from the Little Penguin Advisory Group, and the lack of a recovery plan due to the species not being listed as threatened. The Minister confirms receipt of the report and states that a government response will follow, while deferring the threatened species assessment to an independent committee.
AnsweredQoN 437Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Penguin Island—Little penguin population
437. Hon Amanda Dorn to
the Minister for the Environment:
I refer to the
little penguin colony on Penguin Island, which has recorded a 95% population
decline since 2008. On 20 November 2025, the minister advised that the
Little Penguin Advisory Group would report to the Department of Biodiversity,
Conservation and Attractions by December 2025. That deadline has passed, as has
a revised first-quarter 2026 deadline. The minister has confirmed that no
recovery plan exists because the species is not listed as threatened.
(1) Has the advisory group report been
received by DBCA, and what action has the minister taken in response to its
findings?
(2) If the report has not been received,
why not and when will it be?
(3) Will the minister direct DBCA to
formally assess whether the colony's 95% decline meets the threatened species
listing criteria and if not, why not?
437. Hon Amanda Dorn to
the Minister for the Environment:
I refer to the
little penguin colony on Penguin Island, which has recorded a 95% population
decline since 2008. On 20 November 2025, the minister advised that the
Little Penguin Advisory Group would report to the Department of Biodiversity,
Conservation and Attractions by December 2025. That deadline has passed, as has
a revised first-quarter 2026 deadline. The minister has confirmed that no
recovery plan exists because the species is not listed as threatened.
(1) Has the advisory group report been
received by DBCA, and what action has the minister taken in response to its
findings?
(2) If the report has not been received,
why not and when will it be?
(3) Will the minister direct DBCA to
formally assess whether the colony's 95% decline meets the threatened species
listing criteria and if not, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member
for some notice.
(1) The final report of the Little
Penguin Advisory Board has been received by the Director General of the Department
of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. The report is under review, with
due consideration being given to the recommendations. A government response
will be provided in due course.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) As per the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 Ministerial Guideline
Number 1 , the Minister for the Environment receives advice on
threatened species listing assessments from the independent Threatened Species
Scientific Committee. While we acknowledge the population pressures on the
little penguin colony on Penguin Island, the Eudyptula
minor species is currently listed as "least concern" by the
International Union for Conservation of Nature.
for some notice.
(1) The final report of the Little
Penguin Advisory Board has been received by the Director General of the Department
of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. The report is under review, with
due consideration being given to the recommendations. A government response
will be provided in due course.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) As per the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 Ministerial Guideline
Number 1 , the Minister for the Environment receives advice on
threatened species listing assessments from the independent Threatened Species
Scientific Committee. While we acknowledge the population pressures on the
little penguin colony on Penguin Island, the Eudyptula
minor species is currently listed as "least concern" by the
International Union for Conservation of Nature.
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