Critical Habitat, Cyanide and Little Penguin

Friday, 21 June 2002 10:00

"The penguin colony is very special and designation of critical habitat will ensure its interests are properly brought to bear in action to clean up the cyanide and ongoing leachate management, as well as other threats.

It is quite likely that the colony suffered from cyanide poisoning before the rehabilitation currently in place, so its future recovery must have all the planning and environmental tools, available," said Jeff Angel, Director of the Centre.

"Critical habitat listing is an essential tool - and option 2 in the NPWS proposal is the way to go."

"I am sure the Minister for Environment would not want to be seen as ignoring the Little Penguin's plight by refusing critical habitat listing and preventing the use of the full suite of tools to combat environmental threats. It is urgent he give a strong signal that the Government cares about the Little Penguin and is genuine about its recovery from endangered population to secure population," Mr Angel said.