Clearing commences despite community outcry and concerns for endangered species

The sound of bulldozers echoed through Lee Point/Binybara in Darwin as the destruction of woodland habitat began, sparking outrage among conservationists, crossbench MPs, and local residents. The area, home to hundreds of bird species, including the endangered Gouldian finch, has become the battleground for environmental protection against a defense housing development.

Despite a long-standing community campaign to preserve the site, Defence Housing Australia moved forward with construction plans, prompting condemnation from various quarters. Independent and Greens MPs highlighted the event as evidence of Australia’s flawed environmental policies and called for urgent reforms.

As bulldozers rolled in, Darwin community members were met with a heavy police and security presence, exacerbating tensions on the site. Footage captured by the Environment Centre of the Northern Territory revealed the stark reality of centuries-old trees being felled, leading to dismay among those who had fought to protect the area.

Jess Black, a community representative for the Binybara camp, expressed the devastation felt by Darwin residents witnessing the destruction. Despite months of uncertainty and attempts to halt the project, the commencement of clearing activities caught many by surprise.

The clearance comes in the wake of the Albanese government delaying environmental legislation aimed at addressing the country’s declining ecosystems and species. While legislation for a new national environment protection agency is on the horizon, broader reforms remain uncertain.

Greens environment spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young emphasized the urgent need for action to protect the site, which is crucial for species like the critically endangered eastern curlew. She criticized the government for approving the development despite concerns about its environmental impact.

Independent senator David Pocock also weighed in, describing the scenes at Lee Point/Binybara as a result of Australia’s broken federal nature laws. He called on Labor to fulfil its promises to reform environmental legislation and prevent further damage to habitats and species.

In response, a spokesperson for Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek highlighted the approval conditions for the project, including a buffer zone around Gouldian finch habitat and measures to address invasive species and protect migratory birds. However, concerns persist about the irreversible damage to the area’s biodiversity