NT environmentalists ‘gobsmacked’ at federal green light to bulldoze nearly 3,000 hectares of tropical savanna
The Guardian World
by Lisa Cox Environment and climate correspondentFebruary 24, 2026
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The Australian environment minister has approved the clearing of nearly 3,000 hectares of tropical savanna in the Northern Territory without undergoing an assessment under the nation’s nature laws. This decision has left environmentalists surprised and concerned, particularly given the region’s rich biodiversity. The Top End Pastoral Company plans to bulldoze 2,723 hectares of woodland on Claravale farm and station in the Daly River area for crop production, including sorghum and cotton. The cleared land, roughly ten times the size of Sydney’s CBD, will significantly impact local ecosystems.
The Daly River region is home to several threatened species, such as the ghost bat, Gouldian finch, pig-nosed turtle, and red goshawk. Environmentalists argue that this clearance poses a significant threat to these vulnerable animals and their habitats. The lack of an environmental impact assessment under Australia’s nature laws has raised questions about the government’s commitment to conservation efforts.
This decision highlights broader concerns about the consistency of Australia’s environmental policies. While the country often presents itself as a leader in climate action, such approvals suggest a potential conflict between economic interests and ecological preservation. Conservationists fear this could set a worrying precedent for future developments, potentially accelerating habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. The case
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/24/2026