Environmental groups have called for an urgent meeting with Environment Minister Mark Speakman and the Premier about today’s bulldozing of bushland listed as critically endangered – on National Threatened Species Day.

“The government is putting its entire environmental reputation into the shredder.  Not only should this area in the inner west of Sydney have been preserved from the West Connex, it was already an offset for the previous M5 roadworks – so much for the security of offsets!”, said Jeff Angel,  Executive Director of Total Environment Centre.“

“What has happened today is to be rolled out across the city and country with the Baird government’s new land clearing laws.  A dodgy offset policy and no security for offsets, is their recipe for the wrecking of our remaining native vegetation.“

“The government can expect many more blow ups like this if it perseveres with its new laws.  We call on the Premier and Environment Minister to meet with us and change course,” Mr Angel said.