The Rockingham council has called for the state government to temporarily ban visitors from Penguin Island to protect the animals, but activists say even more needs to be done.

Since 2007, the penguin population has decreased by 94 per cent, with only 114 penguins remaining. The population in 2007 was around 2400 penguins dropping to just over 1500 penguins on the island in 2008.

Councillor Dawn Jecks was elected to The City of Rockingham council nearly four years ago. She says the penguins were one of reasons she felt inspired to run.

“We’ve taken to the streets and they are ignoring us because they don’t see votes, but it’s not sensible because we’re going to end up with no penguins. They don’t want to spend any money on the environment, the Government can’t keep doing that,” she says.

“I’m just an ordinary resident, but I am a resident who cares for the environment.”

Ms Jecks says the penguins are a huge part of the Rockingham community.

“Penguins are iconic to the city of Rockingham. They’re on the city’s code of arms. They’re on a school t-shirt. They’re just a special animal that mean a lot to residence, and I feel very passionate and I’m just reflecting what the communities feeling,” she says.

Ms Jecks says the Government have outright ignored the communities outcry and the Government needs to address the concerns of the public.

“The Government have been doing the bare minimum, and the Rockingham Council has been funding studies on the penguins since 2019.”

Rockingham activist Jason Davis is running for a seat on council later this year.

“It’s a key part of Rockingham not just ecologically but as far as our destiny as well. These penguins have been here forever and now were facing the prospect the population will cease to exist in five years’ time to ten years’ time. It does dishearten a lot of the community,” he says.

Mr Davis says the penguins are a symbol of Rockingham and they are a national treasure to many residents.

“If you think about it, if the population gets down to zero, that’s part of our identity lost and that might end up happening if nothing is done about it,” he says.

“It’s even more disheartening when we go to our government representatives when we want something done about this.”

Mr Davis says people feel like they are ignored, and with AUKUS having a potential impact, the community feel devastated.

“Incidents that have happened in America like the uncertainty of Trump and his presidency have made it just even more unbearable for the Rockingham citizens to consider. This is coming whether we like it or not,” he says.