A regional Australian community is expressing outrage over a mass tree clearing during bird breeding season, as part of works to make way for a major renewable energy project.

At least 50 baby birds – including rosellas, kookaburras and parrots – were displaced and orphaned during the vegetation removal that took place near Mudgee, in New South Wales.

More than 600 trees were removed to widen a dirt road that will eventually lead to an energy hub, connecting power from wind and solar projects across the Central West-Orana region. Merotherie Road will be used to carry construction materials and equipment including transmission towers and lines.

Local vets have labelled the act “barbaric” and are pleading for the tree clearing to be stopped until nesting season ends.

The company in charge of the works said the clearing had been carried out “in accordance with the project’s environmental impact statement, planning approval and biodiversity management plan”.

While the Acting NSW Energy Minister acknowledged that “the photos are upsetting”, Paul Scully also said “NSW has no choice but to build renewable energy infrastructure to keep the lights on”.

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