A thermal image of methane gas leak detection, showing plumes.

Martine Lappan+

Environmental Investigator

Thanks to the nature lovers who gave generously or analysed satellite imagery on smartphones and desktops, we have exposed the potentially illegal bulldozing of bushland home to eight nationally threatened species.

As part of ACF investigates 2024, hundreds of people signed up to scan satellite imagery for signs of land clearing.

Ten people analysed the image in the NSW Hunter Valley that then sparked an investigation from our team.

“We knew as soon as this case landed on our desk that we were onto something,” said ACF Investigator Martine Lappan, “Researching the ecological significance of the bush and species in the area revealed just how devastating this clearing was."

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Satellite imagery highlighting the clearing.

Nine hectares of the property being developed for the McDougall Business Park have already been destroyed. ACF have called on the landowner and property developer to protect a further 28 hectares earmarked for the next stage of the project.

GIF comparing McDougalls Hill, New England Highway, showing before and after road changes.

Before and after the clearing.

This bushland is mapped as a critically endangered ecological community. It also provides habitat for threatened species like swift parrots, koalas, spotted-tail quolls, gang-gang cockatoos, grey-headed flying foxes, painted honeyeaters, brown treecreepers and glossy black cockatoos.

“Bulldozing bush destroys wildlife habitat. This destruction of bushland that’s been mapped as a critically endangered woodland underscores again the urgent need for a national environment protection agency to crack down on rogue land clearers.”

Said ACF Investigator Martine Lappan.

Woman inspecting forest site, suspected endangered woodland.

ACF Investigator Martine Lappan on site. Photo: Ari Balle-Bowness

Singleton Council’s September 2019 Notice of Determination for the project clearly advised the developer to consider a referral to the Commonwealth government for any works that ‘may impact vegetation on the site, particularly that identified as being Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland ecological community which is critically endangered.’

ACF has not been able to find any evidence Commonwealth approval was sought.

“Bulldozing bush destroys wildlife habitat. This destruction of bushland that’s been mapped as a critically endangered woodland underscores again the urgent need for a national environment protection agency to crack down on rogue land clearers.”

Said ACF national nature campaigner Jess Abrahams.

“We are in an extinction crisis. More than 7 million hectares of habitat for Australia’s threatened species has been destroyed since our environment law has been in effect.”

“The Albanese government must pass new nature laws to create an EPA as early as possible in 2025 to stop vital habitat being wrecked.”

As for what happens next? This case is in the hands of the federal government who are investigating the matter.

Our investigations team are hard at work examining more potential cases of bulldozing identified through ACF Investigates.

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