Home / Environment / Australia's Habitat Destruction Hits 15-Year High
Australia's Habitat Destruction Hits 15-Year High
13 Jan
Summary
- Over 57,000 hectares of threatened species habitat approved for destruction in 2025.
- This figure is a 15-year high, more than double the 2024 destruction rate.
- Mining projects account for two-thirds of this federally approved land clearing.
In 2025, Australia experienced its highest rate of threatened species habitat destruction in 15 years, with over 57,000 hectares approved for clearing. This figure, more than double that of 2024, underscores concerns about Australia's position as a global deforestation hotspot. The mining sector was a significant contributor, responsible for two-thirds of the federally approved land clearing.
Analysis revealed that 98% of this clearing occurred in Western Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales, severely impacting species like the northern quoll and the critically endangered night parrot. Former Greens leader Adam Bandt, now ACF's chief executive, described the situation as 'distressing,' noting that federal approvals are just the 'tip of the iceberg' as agricultural clearing often goes unassessed.
New nature legislation passed in November 2025 aims to address these issues by establishing an environmental protection agency and requiring assessments for certain agricultural clearing. While hopeful, Bandt stressed the importance of the agency's resourcing and enforcement. The federal government affirmed its commitment to strengthening environmental protections and mandating net gains for nature in project approvals.
