Help shape the future of Gang-gang Cockatoos
- Gregory Andrews
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 31
This week's #FloraAndFaunaFriday post is about Australia's endangered Gang-gang Cockatoo, one of our most iconic and distinctive birds. For many people living in the Canberra region like me, its creaking call is the sound of autumn. For Aboriginal people, including my own D'harawal community, Gang-gangs are more than that. They’re a part of Country.
But sadly, Gang-gang populations are declining across most of their range due to the combined impacts of habitat loss, climate change, megafires, drought, heatwaves and the loss of old hollow-bearing trees. These threats are putting them at serious risk of extinction.
The Australian Government has now released a Draft National Recovery Plan for the Gang-gang Cockatoo for public comment. While a good start, the plan’s proposals are not enough to save it. So this is your opportunity to help shape how we can.
You don't need to be a scientist to make a submission. If you've ever watched Gang-gangs in the bush or in your garden...If you've noticed changes over time...If you care about old trees...If you value Aboriginal knowledge...If you want stronger action on climate and biodiversity... Your voice can make a difference. The more voices the better.
Some ideas you might like to include
Emphaise that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential for the security of Gang-gangs and all Australia's wildlife.
End deforestion and protect more old hollow-bearing trees.
Recognise that urban forests - including Canberra's suburbs - are increasingly vital habitat that needs protecting.
Prepare for the impacts of accelerating climate change - including more megafires, drought and heatwaves.
Recognise Aboriginal Science, Caring for Country and First Nations cultural connections to the Gang-gang.
Make sure the plan has clear targets, funding and accountability so we know whether recovery is actually working.
I've prepared my own submission, which you're welcome to read and draw on for ideas (please feel free to use or adapt any of it). Here's a link to my submission.
You don't need to be an ecologist to have a say on what's needed to save our species. Consultation closes soon, so now is the time to speak up. And every submission helps. Pull your thoughts together and have your say on the draft Recovery Plan via the email link here.
Hey Gregory, why do you delete some comments ?
Here is the relevant email subject line: Submission on Draft National Recovery Plan for the Gang-Gang Cockatoo.
Along with all the required personal info (see below) I also suggest you add: 'Please accept my Submission on Draft National Recovery Plan for the Gang-Gang Cockatoo.' in your email. (To make it clear it is a 'properly made' submission, not just a comment.)
Here are further details (as per online) for sending submissions: Australian government submissions generally require your full name, contact information (email, phone number, and postal address) and context regarding your views. For formal public inquiries or parliamentary submissions, specific personal details such as your street address are typically removed from the public record before publication.
I also ask for reply email confirmation of acceptance of my submission. (Which is sometimes responded to, sometimes not.) Thanks, Greg. You made this easy to do with a bit of rewording, while I am on my rostered shift of hotline wildlife duty, today.
Thank you for the information, Greg. I have provided many detailed (very time-consuming) submissions, over the years. Individual submissions can be overwhelming. I think, though, (unless I am mistaken?) that a acceptable submission can consist of an email, outlining with just a sentence or two to say that you value the species and want to ensure their long-term survival. Is this correct?
How can our government value coal and gas more than this!😒😢