What was the total area of threatened species habitat approved for destruction in Australia in 2025?

In 2025, over 57,000 hectares of threatened species habitat were approved for destruction in Australia.

Which industry was most responsible for federally approved land clearing in Australia?

The mining industry accounted for two-thirds of the area cleared by federally approved land clearing projects.

What are the new nature laws in Australia aiming to achieve?

New nature laws aim to establish an environmental protection agency and require assessments for certain land clearing to improve nature protections.

Home / Environment / Australia's Habitat Destruction Hits 15-Year High

Australia's Habitat Destruction Hits 15-Year High

13 Jan

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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.

Australia's Habitat Destruction Hits 15-Year High

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.