Darwin's Middle Arm precinct could be roadblocked by endangered herb
The Northern Territory government's Middle Arm gas and petrochemical project faces potential roadblocks due to the discovery of an endangered herb. A draft environmental impact assessment indicates that the project could eliminate 86 percent of the herb's population, along with threatening other endangered species. The government has stated that it is premature to assess the impacts until final evaluations are completed.
- ▪The Middle Arm project aims to host gas, petrochemical, and hydrogen processing facilities.
- ▪The Typhonium sp. Cox Peninsula herb, recently listed as endangered, is primarily found in the project area.
- ▪The environmental assessment warns that land clearing could lead to the loss of the herb's entire sub-population.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Darwin Harbour Middle Arm gas and petrochemical precinct could be roadblocked by endangered herbJBy Jane BardonTopic:Environmental ImpactsFri 29 May 2026 at 7:14amFri 29 May 2026 at 7:14amFri 29 May 2026 at 7:14amAn environmental impact report for the Middle Arm project says it could threaten several endangered species, including this small herb. (ABC News: Tristan Hooft)In short:The Northern Territory government's own draft environmental impact assessment of its Middle Arm project has found it would wipe out 86 per cent of an endemic endangered herb.The assessment also found that the project would have a significant impact on endangered mammals and shorebirds, also protected under federal environment law.What's next?The NT government says it is premature to make judgements about…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).