Star Writers 5B

Macquarie Island is an extraordinary location that is home to a variety of native animals unique to the island. It is home to a diverse ecosystem with a rich array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. Environments need to maintain an ecological balance  but Macquarie Island’s has been disturbed by sealers introducing non - native animals. The island also has cultural and historical significance. It is compulsory that this small island be protected; for if we can save one small island, perhaps we can save them all.

Arlo I

Macquarie Island’s unique biodiversity is an obvious reason that it must be protected by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation(UNESCO). The island’s brutal sub-antarctic environment is lived through by many beautiful things; these include penguins, seals and over 3.5 million seabirds.The plants and animals  on the island have evolved to adapt to the island’s challenges. Because of this we must save Macquarie Island to preserve the lives of its inhabitants and sustain the habitats.

Fintan C

Maintaining an ecological balance is crucial for the island so we can prevent the spread of invasive species. In the 1800s, seal hunters brought in invasive species, causing lots of chaos and damage on the island and disturbed its ecological balance. Many native species were disrupted and  destroyed and even extinct because of human destruction. Since their arrival, rodents have disturbed its vegetation, eroded its beautiful landscape, as well as hurting the island's wildlife. By protecting Macquarie Island we can prevent  the extinction of more innocent native species.

Sienna B P

The cultural legacy of Macquarie Island demands protection to keep its history and stories intact. Sir Douglas Mawson once stated, “This little island is one of the wonder spots of the world.” The island was listed as a World Heritage site which creates strict regulations regarding who can visit and the types of activities permitted, which are important for minimising human impact on its delicate ecosystems and historical landmarks. Consequently, these measures are vital for ensuring the preservation of Macquarie Island’s unique heritage for future generations to appreciate and learn from. 

Sarah V

It is essential that the government and UNESCO help protect Macquarie island. By preserving its unique biodiversity, ecological balance and rich history, we ensure that future generations can learn from and appreciate this amazing island. Wouldn't you want to put your best effort forward to save this island and many lives?

Savannah W 

Star Writers 5C

Have you ever wondered why certain places deserve special protection? Well Macquarie Island is one of them. This Island is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site that is located in the Southern Ocean, approximately halfway between Australia and Antarctica. It’s home to unique seabirds, seals and plants adapted to the sub-Antarctic conditions, many which are found nowhere else on earth. The remote island offers valuable opportunities for research on climate change, oceanography and ecology. The invasive species that have been introduced can disrupt the island’s delicate ecological balance for the erosion can’t be reversed. Due to its ecological significance and the delicate nature, and their impact can lead to irreversible erosion. It is imperative that Macquarie Island and special places like it deserve ongoing government protection.

Liva R

Macquarie Island’s unique biodiversity is a vital reason it should be protected by the government. The island's harsh sub-Antarctic environment has shaped its inhabitants in a distinctive and awe-inspiring way. Species of rare seabirds, seals and plants have evolved and adapted to the brutal conditions. Protecting the islands not only safeguards these species from potential extinction, but also ensures the preservation of the inimitable habitat.

Tahlia F

Continued protection of Macquarie Island would undoubtedly allow further scientific advancements in environmental studies. The Island offers opportunities for research on climate, oceanography and ecology. Due to its position over tectonic plates, the Island has many tremors and quakes which can be researched by scientists. Protecting Macquarie Island will allow scientists to continue vital research for many years to come.

Maya F

The conservation of Macquarie Island is highly necessary to shield its native species from the harmful impact of invasives. Introduced species such as cats, rodents and wekas have been disturbing Macquarie Island's fragile ecosystem, leaving a dramatic change. The introduction of cats has resulted in the hunting of the Macquarie Island parakeet until it disappeared. Preserving the Islands ecological balance is essential for preventing the potential extinction of Macquarie Islands matchless wildlife.

Skye B

Given its unique biodiversity, scientific research potential and ecological significance it is imperative that the government provides ongoing protection for Macquarie Island. Imagine if we lost this unique biodiversity, potential for scientific insight and delicate ecological balance. If these places are lost we will miss out on all the wonder surrounding us. What kind of world do we want to leave behind if we don’t protect places like it? 

Lucas D

Star Writers 6LC 

The Life or death of the Macquarie Island animals

The calm peaceful waves, the beautiful Aurora Australis shining bright through the  deep night sky. Then the week after tourism has begun you are no longer able to see the peacefulness due to smoke and pollution filling the sky. Do you really want that to happen to this spectacular island?

Those beautiful, exotic creatures are suffering from a bubblegum wrapper being littered by a careless person who has no interest in helping the environment. Animal’s lives are in danger because of those people. Between losing the title ‘World Heritage Area, the amount of money and space that is required for buildings, and the total pollution that will fill the air and hurt the animals, there should not be tourism on Macquarie Island.

The island is a World Heritage Area and that title won't be crowned ours anymore due to tourist activity disrupting the peace.  The same thing happened in the 1800’s and that took a turn for the worse. Seal hunters brought in invasive species like cats and rabbits and they took away the habitats of native animals by eating all of the plants and digging burrows for shelter. Losing its title won't be worth it.

The infrastructure required to accommodate tourists will be very expensive due to all of the buildings and materials that are needed. If you have plans for buildings then you need an architect and then builders etc, for each building you will need a lot of people and they will be away from family and friends. It's a waste of time and money and it instead could be used for other things like education, housing on the mainland and the health and safety of each person. It's a waste of time to build everything and get jobs for people.

After the buildings have been built and tourists are soon arriving, another problem has been introduced and that's pollution. The smoke will have risen from the buildings and will make its way into the sky and polluting it. Over time the smoke will completely cover the Aurora Australis and its beauty will no longer be recognised by all of the tourists. Smoke will also hurt the poor animals and it will eventually endanger every species that is native. The smoke will be deadly and the plastic will be very disruptive in terms of the animal’s peace, it shouldn't be allowed at all.

In conclusion, it's completely irrelevant to have tourism. From the fact that the island won't be crowned a ‘World Heritage Area’, to the cost of each building and the jobs needed, and finally the pollution that will be created from smoke. It is very clear that tourism on Macquarie Island shouldn't be allowed because of all of the reasons proving so.

Mackenzie W

Just waiting for the best future to come 

Imagine hopping on an island and hearing the sweet sound of birds whistling, the crystal-clear waves crashing and the perfect green Aurora Australis. You see everything that no one has ever seen before you will be the first. You would see the beautiful king penguin, elephant seals and the many thousand amazing birds.

Just think if people were to move there, imagine all the employment opportunities people would get there. There would be more jobs to go around which would bring more money into the economy. There could be houses for the homeless children around the world and that's where they could live! The educated children could study about all the beautiful nature surrounded by us. They could learn about the animal habitats that live on this very land today.

The environment would be looked after very carefully and if we were to go there there would be a closer eye on the rabbits. Wildlife abounds on the island with large numbers of seals, penguins, and many species of sea bird including petrels being present. It is quite common for seals and penguins to rest in the shelter of the buildings around the island. They would be closer to care for the animals because people may think they would go extinct.

Now, just think of hopping on an island hearing the sweet sound of birds whistling and the crystal-clear waves crashing. Come now while you can. You can see everything that no one has ever seen before. You would be the first, you would see the beautiful king penguin, elephant seals and the many thousand amazing birds. Macquarie island.

Coco B

Star Writers 6S