On 13th of May 2009 the purchase of Lot 29 Cape Tribulation Road in the Daintree was completed; our thanks and congratulations to everyone for their part in making this happen.

This property represents acquisition Number 11 in the Daintree Buy Back and Protect Forever Project – identifying and purchasing precious rainforest at risk of development and establishing Nature Refuge status, which protects it forever under covenants ratified by the Queensland Parliament in Australia.

With No.11, not only does this mean that the unique rainforest flora here, including the impressive Fan Palms are safe, but rare and endangered species like the Bennett’s Tree Kangaroo and Cassowaries now have a vital corridor through the rural residential subdivision from the Daintree National Park on its northern side to two declared Nature Reserves in the south. This is particularly important in this area, as residential development fragments essential cassowary habitat through clearing and the introduction of weeds and dogs.

Unlike the properties to the south of the adjoining road, which are in wet lowland areas, Lot 29 runs up the side of the foothills of the Daintree National Park, offering a significantly different ecosystem especially worthy of conservation.

The vegetation type here is described as notophyll to mesophyll vine forest with significant numbers of Fan Palms on the slopes with the main emergent being the Swamp Mahogany — host to the rare Redeye Butterfly and Bottlebrush orchids. The biodiversity values of this ecosystem type are described as being ‘very species rich’.

As a dedicated Nature Refuge, no development is possible at all now on this property; no dogs, no traffic, no clearing, nothing. Just nature doing what it does best (under the watchful eye of biologist and Conservation Manager David Cook). You can visit this and other properties we have secured on a self guided tour, we can give you directions any time.

Another victory for the Daintree and its precious inhabitants, made possible by individuals and businesses like you. Piece by piece, we are making a difference.

Your continued support however is vital in keeping up the momentum on this exciting project. Please help secure even more of the Daintree by making a tax-deductible donation today.