---
title: Threatened species at risk from Darwin developments
description: A leading small mammal extinction researcher is warning plans for more developments near Darwin could hasten major declines in the population of threatened species.
---
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The Canopy is a weekday morning email newsletter provided by the team at Greenpeace Australia Pacific.
# Threatened species at risk from Darwin developments
Tuesday, 22 August 2023
A leading small mammal extinction researcher is warning plans for more developments near Darwin could hasten major declines in the population of threatened species, such as the black-footed tree-rat. Offset sites have not yet been found for the Lee Point housing development already underway.
Environmental groups are calling on VicForests to abandon logging plans in the state's alpine region after endangered native plants were found near the earmarked sites, which could be bulldozed before Victoria's end of year native logging ban.
A new report released yesterday by the CSIRO and GHD Advisory calls for Australia to focus on hydrogen-powered transport – alongside electric vehicles – to decarbonise long-haul transport in particular.
**Top stories:**
[Alpine coupes in Victoria at risk of deforestation](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-22/logging-concerns-for-mount-stirling-endangered-plant-species/102742018)
Environmental groups are calling on VicForests to abandon logging plans in the state's alpine region after endangered native plants were found near the earmarked sites, which could be bulldozed before Victoria's end of year native logging ban. Five threatened plant species were seen at several coupes near Mount Stirling by surveyors from the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) and the Victorian Forest Alliance.
[Scientists warn that Lee Point and Middle Arm developments in Darwin will threaten endangered mammals](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-22/nt-darwin-developments-risk-extinction-lee-point-middle-arm/102751470)
A leading small mammal extinction researcher from Charles Darwin University is warning plans for more developments near Darwin could hasten major declines in the population of threatened species, such as the black-footed tree-rat. Offset sites have not yet been found for the Lee Point housing development already underway.
[New CSIRO report advocates for investment in hydrogen-powered vehicles](https://lismoreapp.com.au/news-sport/news/new-report-to-accelerate-australias-hydrogen-powered-transport-future?id=64e2bf47786dc20028c51be2)
A new report released yesterday by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and GHD Advisory calls for Australia to focus on hydrogen-powered transport – alongside electric vehicles – or risk being left behind by our international counterparts. While battery-electric vehicles will drive the decarbonisation of road transport in Australia, there are opportunities for hydrogen-powered vehicles to play a significant role with long-haul travel and freight transport.
[During heatwaves, more people are struggling to buy their next meal](https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/during-heatwaves-more-people-are-struggling-to-buy-their-next-meal)
Food insecurity rises in times of high heat, according to an international researcher who compared survey data from 150 countries with temperature data. The survey data included questions on whether households ran out of food or whether individuals were concerned about not having enough to eat.
[Consultation Opens on Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone](https://arichlife.com.au/consultation-opens-on-illawarra-renewable-energy-zone/)
The Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) entered its community consultation phase last week. The zone specifically targets offshore wind, and will commence 10 to 50 kilometres off-shore and run south from Wombarra to about Kiama.
[“I’ve spent 40 years studying Antarctica. The frozen continent has never needed our help more”](https://eveningreport.nz/2023/08/22/ive-spent-40-years-studying-antarctica-the-frozen-continent-has-never-needed-our-help-more-211520/)
After decades immersed in Antarctic science, I’ve learned that physical and biological changes rarely occur smoothly. More often than not, they unfold in sharp steps. Right now, Antarctica’s climate and ecosystems are experiencing disturbing changes. By Dana M Bergstrom, Honorary Senior Fellow, University of Wollongong
[Australia’s warmer winter is making spring come early](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/22/orchids-blooming-early-australia-when-do-orchids-bloom-spring-where-to-see?utm_term=64e3cd66b05deee7aac81963be67913d&utm_campaign=MorningMailAUS&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=morningmailau_email)
Early flowering and germination of magnolias has been observed across much of south-east Australia, with scientists saying the climate is changing the way plants develop.
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