The Wilderness Society

WA's leading environmental organisations - the Council Conservation of WA, The Wilderness Society and Environs Kimberley - launched Don't Fail The Whales (www.dontfailthewhales.com), calling on the Premier to keep to his promise to protect the calving grounds off the Kimberley coast.

Conservation Council of WA Director Piers Verstegen said "The Kimberley coast from Broome to Camden Sound, including the proposed site for a massive LNG hub is the most important calving ground for humpback whales in the world."

"WA Premier Colin Barnett has personally committed to creating a marine park at Camden Sound to protect the whales."

"In the next few weeks, the WA Government will make critical decisions on the size of the new marine park, and how much of the area will be fully protected as sanctuary zones.

"Unfortunately, at the moment all signs are the Premier is set to break his promise.

"With less than 1% of our marine life protected, a network of large marine sanctuaries will be critical to protect the Kimberley's unique marine environment, but we are concerned the WA government will buckle to industry lobby groups who do not want to see this happen.

"We are particularly alarmed that continued ‘bottom trawling' may be allowed in the new marine park. This would be like allowing clear-felling in a national park.

"We need West Australians to send a very clear message to the Premier. We strongly encourage the community to sign the petition at www.dontfailthewhales.com and hold the WA Government account for their promise to protect Kimberley whales." Concluded Mr. Verstegen