Plans to build a new discovery centre on Rockingham's Penguin Island have been slammed by a local conservationist group.
Last week, the State Government announced $3.3 million would be spent on building the new discovery centre, and the existing one demolished, freeing up more habitat and nesting areas for the dwindling little penguin population
But Dawn Jecks from Save Rockingham's the Little Penguin's campaign said the new development will have grave consequences for the penguins and ideally it should be built on the mainland.
"The discovery centre being on the mainland instead of the island will mean the island can be left to rehabilitate and let the penguin population recover," Ms Jecks said.
“This decision kicks the population when they’re already down. We fear the construction of a new penguin discovery centre will effectively be a nail in the coffin for this already decimated population."
Ms Jecks said the State Government has failed to listen to scientists or the community before making the call.
“Neither scientists who study the colony nor the community have been consulted on this development. These are scientists who have been studying this population for decades and yet they were merely provided with briefing just days ago," she said.
“The decision would seem to indicate the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, which manages the island and advises WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby, are more interested in tourism dollars than saving this population."
Mr Whitby said construction of the new centre will be guided by scientists and technical experts.
"Every effort is being made to minimise the disturbance to penguins and penguin habitat during the construction, with guidance from scientists and technical experts," Mr Whitby said.
"I have asked for the little penguin working group that assists the Department on the management of penguins at Penguin Island to arrange a special meeting which I will attend, so that I can hear firsthand the research, concerns and ideas.
"This working group includes University of Western Australia and Murdoch University researchers, City of Rockingham staff, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and DBCA staff."
The little penguin population has dropped dramatically.
In 2007, there was estimated to be 1700 penguins at Penguin Island, now there is fewer than 300.
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