Property developers in Perth plan to clear endangered banksia woodland for three housing projects. This area is home to the threatened Baudin’s and Carnaby’s black cockatoos. Conservationists warn the planned offsets, which aim to replace the woodland elsewhere, will not work. Restoration expert Prof Kingsley Dixon said trying to create banksia woodland inside a different type of protected woodland is “doomed to fail.” He explained it is not simple gardening to rebuild such a complex ecosystem. Banksia woodlands support many native plants and animals, including the honey possum. The offset plan by Emerge Associates involves planting banksia woodland within critically endangered tuart woodlands. Dixon said the soil and canopy in tuart areas do not support true banksia ecosystems. This means the proposed offsets will not provide a like-for-like environmental benefit, causing a net loss of the banksia woodland. Brendan Sydes from the Australian Conservation Foundation warned this shows offsets are being overused to justify habitat loss. He said, “The answer should be ‘no, don’t destroy the habitat’.” The federal environment department approved one development with strict offset conditions but is still reviewing the other two. A spokesperson said they ensured offsets align with existing ecosystems. Emerge Associates noted public consultations were held and feedback included in assessments. The debate continues over protecting Perth’s rare banksia woodlands amid housing pressures.