Telstra investigated for environmental breaches in SA national park

Telstra Investigated for Environmental Breaches in SA National Park

Telstra is under investigation for potentially spreading a harmful weed and unauthorized land clearing in a culturally significant wilderness area in South Australia's far west.

Documents released under Freedom of Information show that the Department for Environment and Water started investigating Telstra InfraCo's contractors in July 2025 for unauthorized clearing near the Koonalda Caves Track in the Nullarbor Wilderness Protection Area. The contractors graded an existing track, possibly spreading buffel grass, an invasive species.

A First Nations source expressed concerns about the impact on cultural heritage and the environment. Telstra met with various stakeholders to address the damage, including DEW, SA Parks, and the Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board. The company apologized for the damage and agreed to remediate the site and implement a buffel grass monitoring program.

However, traditional owners are skeptical of the effectiveness of these measures.