About 2½ years ago, I highlighted the environmental threats to the Australian lungfish, in particular the planned construction of a dam that would destroy their habitat.

To my surprise, Australian environmentalists won this battle!

The proposed $1.8 billion Traveston Dam in Queensland has been quashed to protect endangered species, including Mary River turtle and cod, after a landmark decision by the Environment Minister, Peter Garrett.

In explaining his decision yesterday Mr Garrett said the dam would have ”serious and irreversible effects” on threatened species – which also include the Australian lungfish and the southern barred frog – and he had no option but to reject it.

It’s a little discombobulating—they actually made a good decision to protect some unique biology? The cynic in me says there has to be some other reason, too, but I’ll take it.