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9th Property Purchased in the Daintree Rainforest

Rainforest Rescue, is pleased to announce the purchase of a ninth rainforest property in the Daintree region, north-east Queensland through the support of its Daintree Buy Back and Protect Forecr Project. Thanks to donations from members of the public, businesses and organisations, another piece of tropical rainforest has been saved from destruction. Most people believe that due to its National Park's status and World Heritage Listing, that the Daintree is fully-protected. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. In the 1980's, with the assistance of the Joh Bjelke-Petersen government, a rural residential development was established.

The new property purchased is a rectangular block of 2.12 hectares (5.29 acres) and located in a rainforest residential precinct. It lies near the upper end of a street known as Camelot Close. According to the Vegetation Management Act 1999, the main ecosystem within this block is listed as "of concern", with a nearby block listed as "endangered". The lot lies within a general area classified as essential habitat for the endangered Cassowary. There are only around 1000 individual Cassowaries left in the wild.

Fortunately, much of the rainforest within this property is still intact and the area has never been significantly logged. There are a number of palms species growing on it, including Fan, Alexander and Black palms as well as many large, established rainforest trees. One of these is the amazing Strangler Fig, which take hundreds of years to reach maturity. One of the other great features of this property is that beautiful stream, Tribulation Creek, that flows right through the middle of it.

Due to the limited response from government, Rainforest Rescue has set its aim on buying the freehold Daintree rainforest and protecting it as reserves. "It's the best way to protect the Daintree", said Kelvin Davies, Executive Officer of Rainforest Rescue "We just buy the blocks back". The land is bought and placed in purposely created and gazetted Nature Refuges. Protected forever, the properties will provide habitat for Cassowaries and other wildlife and exclude all forms of development. With development continuing each year, the race is on to save the Daintree. With the support of everyday Queenslander's, Rainforest Rescue has now contributed to the purchase of nine properties in the Daintree and hope for many more to be protected soon.

Donations from the public are essential in helping to buy back more rainforest blocks and protecting them forever. To contribute to the 'Daintree Buy Back and Protect Forever Project' with your tax-deductible donation, please contact Rainforest Rescue on 1300 763 611 or visit the Rainforest Rescue website at www.rainforestrescue.org.au. Alternatively, you can send a cheque or money order made out to Rainforest Rescue, PO Box 1511 Toowong, Queensland 4066.

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