$3.2m to save controversial parrot

= From theaustralian.news.com.au =



THE Howard Government will spend $3.2 million to ensure the future of the orange-bellied parrot, the rare bird used by Environment Minister Ian Campbell to block a $220 million wind farm in Victoria.


Senator Campbell said today the funds, to be spent over the next two years, represented the largest federal investment ever in a threatened species.

"The orange-bellied parrot is considered to be one of the world's rarest and most endangered animals, with only about 50 breeding pairs known to exist, which puts it in the same position as other iconic species such as the Giant Panda and Siberian Tiger," he said.

"Very substantially increased Australian Government support will increase important work protecting, enhancing and expanding key habitat across the parrot's range."

The funding, to be drawn from the government's Natural Heritage Trust, will be used to protect and expand habitat used by the parrot.

The strategy includes: working with landholders in the parrot's Victorian and South Australian winter base; conserving breeding and nesting habitat at Melaleuca and Birch's Inlet in the Tasmanian southwest World Heritage Area; improving important migratory habitat and controlling predators in northwest Tasmania and King Island; and working with the Defence Department to conserve and manage parrot habitat in the Port Phillip Bay area in Victoria.

Senator Campbell said the parrot faced a number of major threats, including habitat loss and modification, predators, death caused by collision with structures and catastrophes such as storms.

Twice a year, the parrot travels across Bass Strait between breeding areas in Tasmania and its wintering habitat in coastal Victoria and South Australia.

“One of only a very small number of migratory parrots in the world, this bird is a real battler," Senator Campbell said. "Every year it undertakes the ornithological equivalent of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race — it's every Australian's responsibility to help this bird survive for future generations."

While captive breeding of the parrot over the past decade had been a “valuable insurance policy", the population was not increasing.

"It is clear that that the future of this bird depends on us doing much more to protect its habitat," Senator Campbell said.

"Captive breeding continues to provide insurance against catastrophe, but safe habitat that is free of threat is the key to the survival and recovery of the orange-bellied parrot. I would hate to think that my grandchildren might only be able to see and appreciate this animal in a zoo."

Senator Campbell is currently reviewing his decision to block the Bald Hills wind farm in Victoria, after legal action by the developer. He blocked the project in April this year because of a perceived threat to the parrot. It was later revealed he went against the advice of his own department.

It's good to see someone is putting money up to protect some endangered birds. Most people and governments do not so this is great to see. Thanks for posting.