As the sun rises over the sprawling suburbs of Australia's bustling cities, a dark secret lies entombed beneath the foundations of countless homes. The rapid expansion of housing estates, driven by a population boom that has seen over 10 million new Aussies since 1990, has come at a grave cost to the country's native wildlife. In the shadows of Sydney's growth corridors, a silent massacre has occurred, with thousands of turtles, fish, and eels buried alive beneath the concrete slabs of modern development.


The average house price in Sydney has skyrocketed from $184,600 to a staggering $1.6 million, turning land development into a lucrative industry. But in the frenzied rush to meet the urgent demand for new housing, ecological considerations have often been sidelined. Farm dams and wetlands, once teeming with life, have been filled and paved over, entombing the creatures that called these habitats home. The situation reached its peak during the colder months when turtles, seeking refuge in hibernation, met a slow and suffocating end under the weight of progress.


Associate Professor Ricky Spencer, a turtle expert from Western Sydney University, sheds light on the grim reality that many councils and developers do not relocate fish and reptiles when draining wetlands. 'In the past, anything that wasn’t endangered was ignored,' he explains. The lack of awareness and concern for these animals has led to their untimely demise, with some wetlands simply being covered without a second thought for the life beneath.


However, there is a glimmer of hope. Recent years have seen a shift in societal expectations regarding wildlife conservation, prompting some developers to reform their practices. Environmental protections in New South Wales have undergone minor changes, and community pressure, along with advocacy efforts like the 1 Million Turtles project, has influenced councils to better integrate wetlands into new developments.

Despite these improvements, the displacement of turtles and other wildlife remains a pressing issue. The construction of the new western Sydney airport, for example, threatens prime nesting grounds. Researchers have documented the destruction of wetlands in suburbs such as Blacktown, Campbelltown, Casula, Liverpool, and Penrith, with the problem dating back decades to areas closer to the city center like Botany.

Kane Durrant, the principal ecologist at WILD Conservation, recounts the horror stories of turtles being buried alive since the 1970s and 1980s. 'Sydney used to be rich with wildlife,' he laments, noting the stark contrast to the current state of the city's natural environment.


As development continues, ecologists like Durrant are called upon to rescue turtles from disappearing habitats. While the practice of burying animals alive has decreased, it still occurs, underscoring the need for on-site ecological oversight during construction.

The solution, Durrant suggests, is not merely to relocate these animals but to preserve the wetlands themselves. By integrating natural water bodies into housing estates, developers can create spaces where wildlife and humans coexist harmoniously, enhancing the quality of life for both.

For Australians concerned about the environmental impact of their homes, the message is clear: advocate for the retention of natural habitats in urban planning. By supporting developments that prioritise ecological sustainability, residents can enjoy the beauty of native wildlife right in their backyards, and ensure that the dark secret of the past remains just that—a thing of the past.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we have the power to influence change and protect the natural legacy of our country for future generations. Let's raise our voices for the turtles and the countless other species that depend on us. Share your thoughts and experiences with us, and together, let's work towards a future where development and conservation go hand in hand.