$60,000 MEPAU grant protects critically endangered Carnaby’s cockatoo, as volunteers prepare for cocky count

A new program to protect the critically endangered Carnaby’s black cockatoo and native flora in the Mid West has received funding from an energy company, while cockatoo counts are scheduled in Howatharra and Yardarino. Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC NRM) have been granted $66,000 to go towards a new program, safeguarding native species in the threatened ecological community Eucalypt Woodlands of the WA Wheatbelt. The grant, provided by Mitsui E&P Australia (MEPAU) and Beach Energy’s joint venture sponsorship program, will help to restore habitat essential to the survival of both the Koobabbie Eremophila, a flowering shrub, and the black Carnaby’s cockatoo. House and Home: Safeguarding Native Species aims to reduce the risk of the plant going extinct by collecting and storing a diverse range of seed, and installing artificial hollows for the Carnaby’s black cockatoo, which has lost 87 per cent of its natural habitat. The Great Cocky Count will take place on Sunday, April 14 from 5pm at both Howatharra, in the shire of Chapman Valley, and Yardarino, in the shire of Irwin. Volunteers will monitor the endangered cockatoo for insight into it’s roosting behaviour, locations and population numbers. MEPAU CEO Ken Yamamura said MEPAU was delighted to fund this new program which will help protect the unique biodiversity of the Mid West region for current and future generations. On-ground restoration actions are planned with Mid West Aboriginal Ranger Program (MARP), and provides opportunities for Aboriginal people across the Mid West to be employed and engaged in activities. The partnership between NACC NRM and rangers has already commenced site assessments and flora surveys across the region.