Land Clearing

23 July 2002

Railway company destroys prime Gouldian Finch habitat

The Environment Centre NT has today condemned the critical error made by contractors for the Alice Springs to Darwin railway. An area of prime gouldian finch habitat has been accidentally bulldozed along the railway corridor, just north of Katherine. The proponent for the railway, Adrail, had been advised that the railway corridor should avoid this area west of the Yinberrie Hills (the largest known colony of the endangered Gouldian Finch), and the area was cordoned off. Unfortunately the construction contractors mistook the cordoned off area for the railway corridor and encroached on the protected area before realising their mistake.

Environment Centre Coordinator Ms Kirsten Blair said today:

"The Gouldian Finch is one of Australia's most endangered birds. It is listed on both the NT and the Commonwealth endangered species lists. Over the past 10 years over $1 million of Commonwealth funds has been spent on a recovery program for the species. In one fell swoop Adrail has cleared a part of the habitat identified as critical for the Gouldian Finches survival. This is an area that the Yinberrie Hills colony retreats to every wet season when their food source is scarce. Clearing of this critical habitat will probably result in over half of the Yinberrie Hills population dying."

"This incident took place several months ago. Apparently Adrail has admitted their mistake to the NT Government, and is trying to re-plant the area. Unfortunately it is extremely difficult to re-create this sort of habitat and their efforts will probably be fruitless. The incident raises some extremely important questions - Why haven't the public been told about this incident? Why is the NT Government covering for Adrail? Are the Federal and NT Governments pursuing legal action against Adrail?"

"This incident confirms many of the Environment Centre's fears about the NT Government's decision to use the approvals given for the project back in 1982 rather than requiring the company to complete a new Environmental Impact Statement. It's time for Adrail and the NT Government to come clean on this incident and any environmental impacts which may have occurred along the construction corridor."

"Both the NT Government and the company have failed in their environmental responsibilities, it is clear that the current regulatory system in inadequate. This situation once again highlights the need for an independent Environmental Protection Agency in the Territory to enforce strict environmental controls."

For more information on Land Clearing contact ECNT:
Phone: 08 8981 1984
Email: ecnt@octa4.net.au

Back to top