Govt ignoring cookatoos
Dear Echo News,

Regarding your story Black cockatoo die-in at parliament house. We have the environmental planning framework in this state to protect and support black cockatoos, the problem is getting the Cook government and decision makers like the WAPC and local councils to use them.

These controls have been put in a box at the back of the wardrobe, buried under discarded items and detritus where they can be hidden and forgotten.

Our state government is driven by development industries, especially housing and mining. Because of the wealth they generate, these sectors are extremely powerful and the government succumbs to their influence.

But like all thingsmonocultures are more prone to collapse because there is no inbuilt resilience.

When the crash comes, it is devastating and we all suffer.

Continued support of these to the exclusion of other sectors of our society, like our environment, is not a sustainable methodology.

The rally at parliament house and the call for a federal EPA to address the critical circumstances of black cockatoos in this state, is because it would sit above and exert pressure on Roger Cook’s government to do better.

The establishment of a new law would put these controls into the limelight and achieve Australia wide exposure for the dire and terminal state of the black cockatoos under current conditions.

J Zeck
Swan Communities Environmental Alliance

Walk to school day is healthy
Dear Echo News,

Primary school aged children across Australia will make those important steps towards a healthier future by participating in National Walk Safely to School Day next Friday, May 16 and it’s not too late to get involved.

This year marks the 26th anniversary of National Walk Safely to School Day.

The initiative aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking, or alternative active transport (especially to and from school) can provide for the long-term well-being of our children, not just on May 16, but every day.

Apart from the physical benefits, regular walking or similar also has a favourable impact on children’s cognitive and academic performance.

Walk Safely to School Day also encourages positive environmental action, better use of public transport with reduced car-dependency and encourages parents and carers to walk more, reducing dangerous traffic congestion around schools.

The national initiative also promotes healthy eating and encourages schools and P&Cs to host a healthy breakfast on the day.

The extremely disturbing childhood obesity epidemic continues to affect 1 in 4 children at critical levels across Australia.

The best form of physical activity for all Australians is walking regularly. Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. We should encourage them to take a walk before school, during and at end of their day.

Being active every day, including walking to school, can help make a difference for many Australians. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or carer – everyone has a role to play in helping children and young people to lead active healthy lives.

H Scruby
Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO