It seems from maps in the Draft Plan Newsletter that a lot of existing mature pines will go.  What research has been done to indicate that the cockatoos - which are well known for visiting and feeding from these trees - will not be harmed by their removal?

It is indeed very worrying that these Cockatoos’ reliance on pines as a feed source does not seem to have been considered, especially considering that vast tracts of pine plantations around Perth are also due to be logged soon.  The main natural feed source of this species (banksia) has largely been eliminated due to urban sprawl, and the birds occur nowhere else in the world.  It looks like they will be lost.

One would hope that this project’s claims to be sustainable that they would be able to work around this.  Curtin, as a major stakeholder that also claims to have an interest in sustainability, also stands to lose credibility if this problem is not adequately resolved.

The development of the Bentley Technology Precinct (BTP) aims to minimise the effect on the Carnaby’s and Forest Red-Tailed Cockatoos by:
1. Minimising the removal of trees within the BTP; and
2. Where possible, planting new trees that provide a food source for the Carnaby’s and Forest Red-Tailed Cockatoos.

This aim was recognised in the Environmental Consultant Report which recommended that “Where possible, food sources of the Carnaby’s and Forest Red-tailed Cockatoos should be preserved and/or enhanced within the BTP.  This may involve the retention of specific trees or the planting of trees that serves as food sources.” and in correspondence with the City of South Perth who require that:
1. Where possible, all trees should be retained;
2. Any trees which need to be removed to allow for redevelopment will need to be assessed to determine their significance (including potential
food sources for cockatoos);
3. A justification will then need to be submitted for removal of particular trees following assessment;
4. The site is not to be clear-felled;
5. All trees on public open space (POS) are to be retained; and
6. Worthy trees situated within road reserves are also to be retained.

I don’t wish to detract from any possible harm to the cockatoos - I most certainly would not like to see that happen....

however - is there any evidence that the precinct could cause harm to cockatoos? Do we have evidence that the cockatoos rely specifically on the trees in the precinct area? From what I’ve seen both the local golf course and park next to Kent St High School are the areas where cockatoos aggragate, and the density of pine trees over the proposed development areas is relatively low.

I’m a little dismayed that one of the few posts in this forum is the usual knee-jerk reaction to any proposed development, with the typical dramatic title. I really don’t think the cockatoos are going to starve.

It is I who want to know what evidence there is that the cockatoos won’t be harmed.  It is blatantly obvious from their presence, particularly where there are pines, that they use these trees.  Recent Cockatoo Care surveys have reinforced this.  Why should it be proved that there will be harm?  Who has got the money to do that?  Surely it is up to those with the development funds to prove that there will be no harm?  It seems that the South Perth City Council will set out to minimise the number of trees felled.  What I’d prefer is that if there is a limit at 95% confidence then that limit should not be exceeded (taking any replacement plantings into account).  That is science, that is the standard of environmental protection these endangered birds should be given.

To all who are interested in the cockatoos, could I refer you to the comment made by SMEC, one of the project consultants, posted on 9 April 2008.  The cockatoos will remain an important part of the project and steps will be taken to protect and even encourage their continuing habitat in the precinct area.

I saw the response from SMEC - the most concerning part was the weasel words “where possible”.  I suspect that this, combined with commercial interests and a general unwillingness to acknowledge or address the problem (e.g. post above by felicitous blue) will almost certainly result in further destruction of cockatoo feedstock, of which there is little left.