Help us cut the Red Tape
Will you stand with us again as we challenge red tape and restore land that’s been degraded for more than a century?
Your gift today will help to defend Nature. Not just in courtrooms or council meetings, but in the soil, with seedlings, with trees and on the land.
Nature Is Not a Commodity
We’ve all seen it: A mountain traded for a mine. A forest turned into toilet paper. A wild valley bulldozed for a resort. A rainforest makes way for sugarcane. The list is long. Sadly, it grows daily.
Too often humanity’s abusive and extractive regard of Nature means that the ‘profits’ and short-term gains come at a very steep cost to biodiversity, climate, and local communities. The land we fight to protect and restore is treated like property, not as the living ecosystem it truly is.
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We believe there is and must be another way.
We have a very special and rather unusual request; and we’re not asking for your help to protect more precious rainforest. It is to help us navigate the unexpected operational intricacies we’ve uncovered— challenges that only occur when you are ‘breaking new ground’ for Nature.
This restoration journey is demanding more from us than we ever expected: more time, more due diligence, more determination, more rigour. It challenged us in ways we didn’t foresee, and it’s even taken our closest allies by surprise.
But we believe these challenges are shaping a better outcome for Nature.
When we worked with supporters like you to purchase 110 Cape Tribulation Road, we reclaimed land once vegetated by a mixture of endangered vine, eucalyptus and melaleuca forest ecosystems—rare and important lowland ecosystems, now almost entirely lost to agriculture.
In fact, it is estimated that around 80% of these ecosystems have already been stripped and cultivated and restoring it is critical.
But even as we work towards planting 150,000 trees per year, we’re now facing an unexpected challenge.
The Challenge: Red Tape Is Slowing Restoration
The Douglas Shire Council’s planning scheme states that restored rainforest, which is defined as a ‘permanent plantation’, is an inconsistent use of Rural zoned land.
As a result, we are having to submit a very detailed impact assessable development application to the Douglas Shire Council Planning Team for the restoration of 110 Cape Tribulation Road. Despite our previous successes, outdated council zoning laws now threaten to block our progress.
This requirement and the volume of work associated with the impact assessable development application (DA) process was a very big surprise to us considering the land at 110 Cape Tribulation Road has not been farmed for ten years. We are working with other land holders and taking this opportunity to include a number of other properties in this DA at the same time to expand our restoration area around a Nationally significant Oxbow Wetland at the gateway to the Daintree.
What we want—what you want—is for the rainforest we grow to be a ‘permanent plantation.’ As we’ve also been restoring ‘NightWings’ for almost ten years, the red tape requirements for 110 Cape Tribulation Road are totally unexpected.
Despite this, there is hope.
Recently, local councillors visited our nursery. What was meant to be a one-hour meeting turned into three. They planted trees, asked questions, and one of them said:
“This just makes sense.”
Now, we need to bring the rest of the council—and the planning department—along with us.
Working together to ‘Break new ground’ for Nature
We’re taking action—working with planners, policy experts, and legal advisors to challenge these outdated rules. With your support, we can:
- Complete and submit a detailed development application
- Advocate for policy change that supports restoration
- Educate decision-makers on the urgency of biodiversity recovery
- Continue planting trees and restoring 110 Cape Tribulation Road—and more
June 2025: Unexpected expense budget
Outlined below is a listing of unexpected operational costs relating to our planned natural habitat restoration of former agriculture land in the far North Queensland region.
| Item Description | Cost (ex- GST) |
Impact of these services |
|---|---|---|
| Good Quality Agricultural Land Assessment (GQAL) | $3,960 | Confirms specified agricultural land is poor quality—to enable area to be restored as habitat rather than used for agricultural purposes. Is key to the Development Application. |
|
Impact Assessable Development Application (DA) External Planning Consultant |
$16,450 | Proposes and enables land use changes in line with the Douglas Shire Council Planning Scheme for properties, allowing Rainforest Rescue projects to proceed with restoration of former agricultural land. This complex application process can become very costly if multiple re-applications are required. |
| Internal RR Costs for DA | $17,350 | Allows Rainforest Rescue to assist with the DA process to achieve restoration on an unprecedented scale within the Douglas Shire. |
| Development Application Fees for Douglas Shire Council | $10,000 | Estimate of associated fees for Rainforest Rescue to employ legal consultants to work with Douglas Shire Council to ‘break new ground’—implementing a revised Planning Scheme that will benefit native wildlife and natural habitats. |
| Carbon & Biodiversity Consultant Costs | $18,850 | Helps to build a business case for landowners to realise the value of Nature Positive use of their land and to work in partnership with Rainforest Rescue to support restoration and conservation of natural habitat. |
| Legal Costs for Planning Scheme Change Development | $25,000 | Estimate of associated fees for Rainforest Rescue to employ legal consultants to work with Douglas Shire Council to ‘break new ground’—implementing a revised Planning Scheme that will benefit native wildlife and natural habitats. |
| Communications and Stakeholder Consultation costs | $18,150 | Allows Rainforest Rescue to collaborate with local community and local landowners so they can realise alternate ways to use their land that is economically and ecologically beneficial. |
| Nursery Team operations funding to propagate seedlings for the restoration of the Gateway Project at 110 Cape Tribulation Road, an initial 14 hectares has been opened up through work with the Council | $75,000 | Provides Rainforest Rescue with the capital to continue scaling its Nursery operations to tackle the largest restoration project in its history. |
| Land Management Team operations funding for the restoration of the Gateway Project at 110 Cape Tribulation Road, an initial 14 hectares has been opened up through work with the Council | $60,000 | Provides Rainforest Rescue with the capital to continue scaling its restoration operations to tackle the largest Restoration project in its history. |
Restoring Rainforests in Action
Rainforest Recovery Is Real—and It’s Working
At Rainforest Rescue, we’re turning degraded agricultural fields back into thriving rainforests. Much like yourself, the Land Management Team care deeply about the natural environment. Their passion is evident in the actions they take to ensure restoration of rainforest habitat is a thriving success. We’ve already transformed many hectares of exhausted farmland by:
- Working towards planting 150,000 native trees each year
- Restoring rare and endangered ecosystems in the Daintree
- Creating local jobs and working with regional conservation partners
- Helping rainforest canopy return in just a few years
- Our 10-year NightWings Project proves it can be done: degraded land can become rainforest again.
This Is a Story of Hope—And You’re at the Heart of It
This isn’t a story of paradise lost. It’s a story of paradise being brought back—one tree, one wetland, one restored valley at a time. This is a story of hope and optimism, of ‘breaking new ground’ for Nature with the local authorities, and it’s a story with you at the heart of it.
Your support today will help us:
- Restore lowland rainforest and adjacent wetland habitat
- Create more green jobs in the local community
- Strengthen Indigenous partnerships
- Reduce sediment and pollutant runoff that threatens the Great Barrier Reef
- Launch a pilot biodiversity credit project
- Guide and adjust policy that currently slows down climate action
The climate crisis can’t wait. Neither can biodiversity’s recovery. Let’s protect what’s left—and bring back what’s been lost.
You Can Help Cut the Red Tape – Please Donate Today.
Thank You for Standing With Us.
All gifts above $2 AUD are tax-deductible.
PURCHASED PROPERTIES
It’s in our nature to protect. With the help of Rainforest Rescuers – people like you – we are significantly protecting pristine habitat for Nature and achieving strong wins for biodiversity. Visit our Protection Portfolio page for a full list of properties protected by Rainforest Rescue since 1999.
Rainforest Rescue on Instagram
You`re never too old or too young to start creating change - together we are capable of the impossible 💚.
Shout out to ALL of the #NextGenRainforestRescuers – young eco-warriors transforming our world!
From planting trees and fundraising to creating powerful films and sparking change in their communities, these incredible young leaders aren’t waiting for the future - they are the future. And they’re making a real impact, right now 🌍✨💚.
Do you know a young #NextGenRainforestRescuer who’s making waves for the planet? We’d love to celebrate them!
💌 Drop us a line: info@rainforestrescue.org.au
Together, let’s nurture the next generation of eco warriors and grow a greener, better world 🌱.
📷: Silvia Di Domenicantonio
#YouthForNature #ClimateAction #GenerationRestoration #EcoWarriors #PlantTrees #DaintreeRainforest #RainforestGuardian #LoveTrees @daintreediscovery #Conservation #Environment #TreesAreTheAnswer #Daintree #DaintreeNationalPark #TropicalRainforests
Make it your business to protect rainforests FOREVER 💚.
Your business can support our Partners for Protection program in a variety of ways with tier partnerships, sponsorships, company events, workplace giving, monthly gifts and direct donations.
🌏 Make preserving rainforests part of your business legacy:
👉 www.rainforestrescue.org.au/make-an-impact/businesses (link in bio)
Together, we are a powerhouse of positive and large-scale conservation change ✊.
Know a business that would love to be involved? Tag them below 👇
📷: Martin Stringer
#PartnersForProtection #BusinessImpact #ConservationGoals #DaintreeRainforest #Daintree #Conservation #Partnership #WorkplaceGiving #Restoration #PlantTrees #GrowTrees #AustralianRainforest @smallbusinessqueensland
Turns out planting a rainforest can be against the rules 🙃🌿.
Current zoning laws classify restoration as “inconsistent” use of rural zoned land… but, we’re working with Council to change that, and we need your help 💚.
👉 Learn more: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/red-tape (link in bio)
📸: Martin Stringer
🎵: `Escape` by Sappheiros (under a Creative Commons by 3.0 license - music powered by BreakingCopyright)
#RainforestRescue #RestoreNature #CutTheRedTape #ForTheRainforests #ForThePlanet #PlantARainforest #Daintree #FarNorthQueensland #TreesAreTheAnswer
#CritterCorner: If you love the Southern Cassowary as much as we do, you may have a few questions about this beautiful, flightless bird 💚.
Over the years, we`ve compiled a list of FAQs and answers to help us all understand #cassowaries better: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/explore-the-rainforest/save-the-cassowary/faqs (link in bio) 💚.
How do you report a sighting? What`s that thing on its head? How many eggs do cassowaries lay? And, of course, how can you help protect these dino-birds and their habitat... and so much more!
If you have more questions, we`d love to hear from you!
💌 info@rainforestrescue.org.au
📷: Martin Stringer
#SouthernCassowary #Daintree #DaintreeRainforest #DaintreeBirds #RainforestGardener #FarNorthQueensland #RainforestGuardian #Cassowary #FNQ #TropicalRainforest #AustralianRainforest #AncientRainforest #ProtectRainforestsForever #SupportNotForProfits #Donate #DinoBirds
#NextGenRainforestRescuers are a passionate community of young conservation heroes who are raising funds, planting trees, making documentaries, educating themselves (and others), and driving change in countless creative and impactful ways. They’re the future of our planet 🌍.
Know a #NextGenRainforestRescuer who deserves to be featured?
Send us an email at info@rainforestrescue.org.au 💌.
Want to organise your own #ForestFundraiser? Visit our website for ideas on how to get started: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/make-an-impact/forest-fundraisers (link in bio) 💚.
📷: Silvia Di Domenicantonio
#PlantTrees #DaintreeRainforest #RainforestGuardian #YoungPeople #Youth #LoveTrees #RainforestJourney #AustralianRainforest #Conservation #Environment #TreesAreTheAnswer #Daintree #DaintreeNationalPark #MoreTrees #Donate #SupportNotForProfits
Even rainforest restoration can get tangled in red tape.
We’re collaborating with Douglas Shire Council to update planning laws so Nature can thrive, and restoration becomes the norm, not the exception.
💚 Join us: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/red-tape (link in bio) 💚
📸: Martin Stringer
#RestoreNature #ForThePlanet #RainforestRescue #FarNorthQueensland #PlantARainforest #CutTheRedTape #Daintree #ForTheRainforests #TreesAreTheAnswer
Today it feels like a lifetime ago since @douglasshirecouncil granted planning approval for the Native Nursery to be constructed on the Cow Bay site. In that time, tens of thousands of healthy, resilient young trees have been propagated within the Nursery before heading out to be planted in restoration sites nearby 🌱🌱🌱.
Last month, Mayor Lisa Scomazzon and Councillors Damien Meadows, Abigail Noli, Michael Rees and Roy Zammataro visited the Nursery keen to gain a deeper understanding of Rainforest Rescue’s projects and strategies for restoration.
Many different conversations took place; and especially discussing our team`s shifting focus towards the Daintree riparian and flood plain restoration to help increase resilience of the area, especially against adverse weather conditions and catastrophic flooding events.
Read more online: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/douglas-shire-council-visit-our-native-nursery (link in bio) 💚.
Discover more: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/our-impact/plant-a-rainforest/native-nursery-cow-bay (link in bio) 💚.
#Daintree #DaintreeRainforest #DaintreePlants #DaintreeTrees #DaintreeNursery #ProtectRainforest #AncientRainforest #NativePlantNursery #NativeTreeNursery #NativeNursery #FNQ #DouglasShireCouncil #AustralianRainforest #AustralianFauna #AustralianTrees
According to Queensland’s Cassowary Recovery Plan (EPA, 2007), the population of Southern Cassowaries in the Wet Tropics was estimated at 2,500–4,000 adults in 1988 (Crome & Moore, 1990). By 2001, that number had dropped to fewer than 1,500 (Moore & Moore, 2001).
Today, it’s estimated that around 4,600 Australian Southern Cassowaries remain in the wild - an encouraging sign that the population may be stabilising.
But we can’t stop now. These magnificent birds still face serious threats and we must ensure their rainforest habitat is protected, restored, and preserved forever.
🌿 Become a #RainforestGuardian today:
www.rainforestrescue.org.au/make-an-impact/rainforest-guardians (link in bio) 💚
📷: Visit Daintree Rainforest
#RainforestGuardians #DaintreeRainforest #Daintree #Conservation #ProtectARainforest #AncientRainforest #FarNorthQueensland #Community #TropicalRainforest #FNQ #Restoration #RainforestRestoration #ProtectRainforestsForever #SouthernCassowary #Cassowary #DaintreeBirds #DaintreeWildlife #DaintreeFauna
#ForestFlora: Blue Quandong (Elaeocarpus angustifolius) is one of Australia’s fastest-growing rainforest trees 🌳🌳🌳
The bright blue fruit has long been used by First Nations Peoples. While tart and slightly bitter, it was traditionally eaten raw, or sometimes crushed and mixed with water to form an edible paste. In some regions, the fruit was picked green and buried in sand to help soften and sweeten it.
Today, its bold, tangy flavour is often captured in jams and preserves. Have you tasted it?
Want to learn more about some of the important seeds of the Daintree? Grab a cuppa & join us for a `Significant Seeds Smoko` break: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/join-us-for-a-significant-seeds-smoko (link in bio) ☕️🤓.
📷: Martin Stringer
#BlueQuandong #BushTucker #RainforestFood #RainforestTrees #NativePlants #DaintreeRainforest #AncientFood #EdibleNativePlants #RainforestBerry #QuandongLove
We believe restoring rainforest should be simple.
But right now, it’s considered a “development” under the current planning scheme. That’s why we’re working with Council to rethink what land use means when it’s for the planet.
🌳 Be part of the change: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/red-tape (link in bio)
📸: Martin Stringer
🎵: `Escape` by Sappheiros (under a Creative Commons by 3.0 license - music powered by BreakingCopyright)
#ForTheRainforests #CutTheRedTape #TreesAreTheAnswer #FarNorthQueensland #RainforestRescue #PlantARainforest #Daintree #ForThePlanet #RestoreNature
💚🌳 It’s World Rainforest Day 🌳💚
This year’s theme: Celebrating Rainforests and Their Guardians.
Today, and every day, we honour the mighty rainforests that keep our planet cool, clean and full of life… and the everyday legends working to protect them ✨.
Rainforests store massive amounts of carbon, making them one of our strongest allies in the fight against climate change. That’s why protecting what’s standing, and restoring what’s been lost, is more important than ever.
Here’s to the Rainforest Guardians 🌏💚👏.
🎨: @worldrainforestday
@rainforestpartnership @rainforestcx #WorldRainforestDay #RainforestGuardians #RainforestRescue #ProtectRainforestsForever #NatureRestoration #ClimateAction #StandingForestsMatter #DaintreeRainforest #ForThePlanet #BreatheWithUs #EarthWereListening #RainforestPartnership
On 17 May, 183 legends came together to plant the final 3,300 trees at NightWings Rainforest Centre - our last Annual Community Planting Day at this incredible site!
Since 2015, this epic restoration project has seen over 115,000 trees planted. What a journey 🌳💚
Full video coming soon - watch this space! In the meantime, enjoy this bite-sized sneak peek 🎥👀.
📸: Martin Stringer
#ICYMI #RainforestRescue #NightWings #TreePlanting #PlantARainforest #DaintreeRainforest #TreesAreTheAnswer
Shout out to the #NextGenRainforestRescuers - a community of young eco-warriors changing the world!
From planting trees and raising funds to making powerful documentaries and educating their communities, they’re not just the future - they’re making an impact right now 🌍✨💚.
Know a young change-maker who’s doing incredible things for nature?
We’d love to feature them!
Shoot us an email: info@rainforestrescue.org.au 💌.
Let’s grow a greener, better world together!
📷: Silvia Di Domenicantonio
#PlantTrees #DaintreeRainforest #RainforestGuardian #YoungPeople #Youth #LoveTrees #RainforestJourney #Conservation #Environment #TreesAreTheAnswer #Daintree #DaintreeNationalPark #MoreTrees #Donate #SupportNotForProfits
We grow native and endemic Wet Tropics trees - tough species adapted to thrive in one of the world’s most intense climates 🌱🌴.
From fast-growing pioneers to slow-maturing, late-successional rainforest species, we’ve got the plants your restoration project needs.
🌿 Find info & order here: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/nursery-orders (link in bio)
#GrowingTrees #RainforestRestoration #DaintreeNursery #NativePlants #DaintreeRainforest #WetTropicsFlora #ConservationInAction #DaintreeTrees #ClimateResilient
We’re breaking new ground to bring rainforest back 🌳🌿🐞🍄🐌.
But restoration like this means navigating a planning system that wasn’t built for Nature. Together with Douglas Shire Council and the local community, we’re making space for trees, and for change.
✂️ Help us cut the red tape: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/red-tape (link in bio) ✂️
📸: Martin Stringer
#PlantARainforest #ForThePlanet #Daintree #RestoreNature #TreesAreTheAnswer #CutTheRedTape #FarNorthQueensland #RainforestRescue #ForTheRainforests
We were thrilled to welcome Mayor Lisa Scomazzon and Douglas Shire Councillors when they visited our Native Nursery and restoration sites recently.
From checking out our `Beneficial Bugs` pilot and coir planter trials to planting trees and talking shared stewardship, this visit was a great reminder that restoring the Daintree is a community effort 💚.
Big thanks to @douglasshirecouncil for their continued support and commitment to protecting this precious rainforest 🌿.
Read more: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/douglas-shire-council-visit-our-native-nursery (link in bio) 🤓
📷: Rainforest Rescue & Martin Stringer
#RainforestRescue #CowBayNursery #DaintreeRestoration #PartnersForNature #WetTropicsWorldHeritageRainforest #Rewilding #TreePlanting #NativeNursery
#CritterCorner: The Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsonii) is a beloved Rainforest Gardener 🌳🌳🌳.
They help maintain the balance and diversity of their rainforest home through the role of seed disperser.
Cassowaries are known to eat the fruit of at least 238 plant species, of which 149 are woody trees, leaving undamaged seeds in a “compost heap” of dung as they roam the rainforest 💩🌱.
Learn more on our website: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/critter-corner-southern-cassowary and be sure to tell others 😉.
📷: Martin Stringer
#SouthernCassowary #Daintree #DaintreeRainforest #DaintreeBirds #RainforestGardener #FarNorthQueensland #RainforestGuardian #Cassowary #FNQ #TropicalRainforest #AustralianRainforest #AncientRainforest #ProtectRainforestsForever #SupportNotForProfits #Donate #DinoBirds @birdlifeoz @birdsinbackyards @birdsofaustralia
Shout out to all of the #NextGenRainforestRescuers – young eco-warriors transforming our world!
From planting trees and fundraising to creating powerful films and sparking change in their communities, these incredible young leaders aren’t waiting for the future - they are the future. And they’re making a real impact, right now 🌍✨💚.
Do you know a young #NextGenRainforestRescuer who’s making waves for the planet? We’d love to celebrate them!
Drop us a line: info@rainforestrescue.org.au 💌
Together, let’s nurture the next generation of eco warriors and grow a greener, better world 🌱.
📷: Silvia Di Domenicantonio
#YouthForNature #ClimateAction #GenerationRestoration #EcoWarriors #PlantTrees #DaintreeRainforest #RainforestGuardian #LoveTrees @daintreediscovery @destinationdaintree @portdouglas #AustralianRainforest @qldparks @destinationdaintree @portdouglasdaintree @portdouglasuncovered @cairnstourism @cairnsaustralia #Conservation #Environment #TreesAreTheAnswer #Daintree #DaintreeNationalPark #TropicalRainforests
Turns out planting a rainforest can be against the rules 🙃🌿.
Current zoning laws classify restoration as “inconsistent” use of rural zoned land… but, we’re working with Council to change that, and we need your help 💚.
👉 Learn more: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/red-tape (link in bio)
📸: Martin Stringer
🎵: `Escape` by Sappheiros (under a Creative Commons by 3.0 license - music powered by BreakingCopyright)
#RainforestRescue #RestoreNature #CutTheRedTape #ForTheRainforests #ForThePlanet #PlantARainforest #Daintree #FarNorthQueensland #TreesAreTheAnswer
Did you catch our April webinar? If not, it’s now available on YouTube, and it’s well worth a watch/listen: https://bit.ly/apr_webinar (link in bio) 👀.
It’s a great opportunity to learn about the key actions for successfully regenerating native rainforests and to discover our bigger vision for the Wet Tropics and the vital habitats that connect across this special region 🌳🌳.
2024/25 has been a BIG anniversary year for us and we’re excited for even bigger months and years to come.
Join us on the journey: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/make-an-impact/rainforest-guardians (link in bio) 💚.
#RainforestGuardian #DaintreeRainforest #Daintree #ProtectDaintree #AncientRainforest #ConservationGoals #FNQ #WetTropics
