A proposed industrial development project on the Middle Arm peninsula in Darwin Harbour, Northern Territory, backed by $1.5 billion in federal funding, could result in the local extinction of two threatened mammal species, according to a leaked draft environmental impact statement (EIS) obtained by Guardian Australia.
The Middle Arm project, driven by the Northern Territory government, entails building wharves and jetties to support industries such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), carbon capture and storage, and critical mineral extraction. However, the draft EIS states that this development would likely have a severe impact on several species, including the black-footed tree-rat and the northern brushtail possum, both recognised by the government as at risk of extinction and native to the woodlands in the proposed development zone.
According to the assessment, proposed clearing of over 1,220 hectares could cause the black-footed tree-rat's habitat on Middle Arm peninsula to decline by 78%, while the northern brushtail possum would lose about 70% of its habitat. The draft finds that this substantial loss would likely eliminate the black-footed tree-rat population on Middle Arm entirely, with remaining habitat becoming too fragmented for their survival. A similar outcome is anticipated for the brushtail possum, including an overall decline in both species due to habitat loss.
Beyond these species, the development would also lead to a 70% reduction in old growth woodlands—which are vital habitats for other threatened fauna—28% loss of rainforest, 61% decrease in seasonal wetlands, and the destruction of 12.46% of saltpan roosting habitats for the critically endangered far eastern curlew.
Kirsty Howey, executive director of the Environment Centre NT, commented on the report's findings, describing them as "pretty gobsmacking in terms of the impacts on nature." She further urged that the project’s significant harm to an ecologically sensitive hotspot is grounds for reconsidering the substantial federal subsidy allocated to it. Howey emphasised the importance of protecting the area's sensitive vegetation.
Responding to the leaked findings, a spokesperson for the Australian Labor Party stated that environmental impact assessments were still ongoing and that the federal government had yet to grant any approvals for the project. They affirmed that the government was committed to collaborating with the Northern Territory government and community to ensure necessary assessments are thoroughly conducted. The spokesperson also highlighted the project’s potential economic benefits, noting it is expected to support manufacturing and export industries critical to achieving net zero emissions and create an estimated 20,000 jobs in the Territory.
The Northern Territory Country Liberal Party government similarly noted that the draft assessment was neither finalised nor submitted, and that the project continued to be refined based on scientific evidence. They reiterated their commitment to subjecting the development to stringent environmental scrutiny through the strategic environmental assessment process and emphasised efforts to avoid or minimise environmental harm. The CLP cautioned that it remains premature to draw final conclusions at this stage.
Independent candidate for the Solomon seat, Phil Scott, expressed community frustration, stating that both federal and territory governments had underestimated public anger over another Northern Territory project with substantial impacts on native and migratory species, accompanied by other problems and inadequate consultation.
Deakin University professor of wildlife ecology and conservation Euan Ritchie weighed in on the ecological implications, warning that the destruction of most of the habitat for the northern brushtail possum and black-footed tree-rat at Middle Arm would significantly raise the risk of local extinction for these threatened species. Ritchie further explained that this could diminish genetic diversity among these species throughout the Darwin region.
Jonno Duniam, the Coalition’s environment spokesperson, said the Coalition had not reviewed the draft report but affirmed that the Middle Arm precinct is "incredibly important for the Northern Territory and Australia as a whole." He noted that past Coalition and Labor governments across federal and territory levels have worked closely to prioritise environmental considerations during planning processes for the area.
The draft environmental impact statement sheds new light on the potential ecological consequences of the Middle Arm industrial development and has triggered debate over balancing economic growth with conservation efforts in this ecologically sensitive region.
Source: Noah Wire Services