The Albanese government, which committed to ‘no new extinctions’ in 2022, approved more than 25,000 hectares of threatened species habitat to be destroyed in 2024 – more than twice as much as the previous year, according to new analysis by the Australian Conservation Foundation.
The government approved the destruction of 3,003 hectares of koala habitat – triple the amount that was approved for clearing in 2023 and more than any other threatened species’ habitat.
ACF’s Extinction wrapped: Changes to Australia’s national threatened species list in 2024 finds:
- The Albanese government approved the destruction of more than 25,000 hectares of threatened species habitat.
- 2,751 hectares of habitat for ‘critically endangered’ species was approved to be destroyed, affecting 17 critically endangered species and ecosystems.
- 42 more species and ecosystems were added to the threatened species list and a further 14 were moved to a category closer to extinction.
- 100 per cent of assessment decisions about fossil fuel projects were approvals.
Green light for destruction
‘Despite its commitment to zero new extinctions, in 2024 the Albanese government gave the green light to the destruction of twice as much threatened species habitat as it did in 2023,’ said ACF nature campaigner Darcie Carruthers.
‘More than 3,000 hectares of koala habitat was consigned to the bulldozers in 2024 – an area three times the size of Sydney Airport. In most cases, destruction of habitat is the defining reason why animals and plants are at risk.
‘Australia already has one of the worst extinction rates on Earth – and it’s getting worse,’ said Ms Carruthers. ‘There are now 2,245 Australian ecosystems, plants and animals recognised nationally as being threatened with extinction. Every day and every decision matters for our wildlife.
‘The national laws that are meant to protect nature are failing miserably. Without the full reform of Australia’s unfit-for-purpose nature law – and with no sign of an independent agency to enforce the law – more and more unique plants and animals face extinction.
‘We urge the Albanese government to deliver on its promised nature law reform because more delays mean more extinctions.’
ACF’s Extinction Unwrapped report can be read in full here.
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