A Fight for Survival, Accountability, and a Brighter Future

A Call to Action

Australia's unique biodiversity is facing a crisis. Many of its iconic species, like the lungfish, ghost bat, and greater gliders, are classified as threatened and lack formal recovery plans, putting their survival at risk.

The Wilderness Society, an environmental group, has taken legal action against the Environment Minister, arguing that the government has failed to fulfill its legal obligation to create recovery plans for these vulnerable species. This case could set a precedent for future governments to prioritize species conservation and improve Australia's dismal track record.

Recovery plans are crucial for species conservation. They identify the threats these species face and outline the actions needed to save them. These plans can directly benefit species by tackling threats and safeguarding their habitats. They also provide a legal framework for assessing development proposals and preventing activities that could further endanger these species.

Despite their importance, recovery plans are often neglected. Successive governments have failed to create and implement them in a timely manner, and funding for conservation remains insufficient. This has led to the increasing use of conservation advices, which lack the legal weight and accountability of recovery plans.

In 2022, the Morrison government scrapped recovery plans for 176 threatened species, despite widespread opposition. The current government has pledged to improve environmental protection, but has yet to deliver on this promise.

Australia's poor species protection record is evident in the alarming number of extinctions and threatened species. Recovery plans are essential for reversing this trend and ensuring the survival of our unique wildlife.

The upcoming federal election presents an opportunity to address this issue. We must demand that the government prioritize species conservation and allocate adequate funding for recovery plans. We must also hold them accountable for fulfilling their legal obligations to protect our natural heritage.

The fate of Australia's threatened species hangs in the balance. We must act now to ensure their survival for future generations.