A tiny patch of land including two ancient plant species has been discovered in New South Wales, on land that is set to be developed into a new highway. All environmental approvals have been received, and construction is already underway.
The state government says it is developing a plan to protect the new species, but environmentalists, traditional custodians, and scientists worry it won’t be enough against extinction risk. Transport Minister Scott Lawrence says the Department cannot conserve the plants in situ.
Scientist, conservationist, and former councillor, Mark Graham, says relocation poses a massive risk to the species’ survival.