Filmmaker Jane Hammond visits Yakamia Forest as part of documentary tour

Filmmaker Jane Hammond visited the Yakamia Forest in Albany as part of the tour for her documentary the Black Cockatoo Crisis.

Ms Hammond who spent significant time on the south coast filming the documentary has called for the council and local MPs to take action to help the endangered species survive.

Residents near Yakamia’s remnant forest report regular sightings of black cockatoo species in the area.

The old-growth jarrah, marri and sheoak trees provide vital food and potential breeding hollows for black cockatoos whose habitat is shrinking across WA.

During her visit, Ms Hammond met with members of the Friends of Yakamia Forest Boodja.

“Even though the Yakamia forest is a relatively small area of native vegetation, it’s obvious that it provides an important source of black cockatoo food because local residents frequently see them feeding in the trees there,” Ms Hammond said.

The Friends of the Yakamia Forest Boodja have been campaigning for the patch of remnant bushland to be rezoned from residential to a conservation reserve for flora and fauna with many species of native animals calling the forest home.

Friends of Yakamia Forest Boodja spokesperson Annabel Paulley said there was plenty of already-cleared land north of the existing Yakamia housing area.

“Taking this small area out of the housing mix will not greatly affect the overall housing issues.

“We shouldn’t be destroying this vital forest remnant.

“Endangered black cockatoos and possums and a myriad of other small animals, birds, reptiles and insects rely on this forest, and heaps of local residents enjoy using it for passive recreation.”