Steve Irwin Passion

Buying back land to protect ournative wildlife

Text and images by Michael Snedic

The recent tragic death of the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin was felt by many around the world. One of Steve’s passions was to buy back land destined for development and give it back to our native wildlife. In recent years local conservation organisation Rainforest Rescue has been doing just that, in particular concentrating on areas around the Daintree rainforest that are earmarked for development. Many people think that the Daintree is protected forever due to its World Heritage listing. Sadly, this isn’t entirely true. While the Queensland State Government’s recent decision to inject $10 million dollars towards protecting parts of the Daintree is indeed welcome, there are numerous blocks of land being offered for sale, for development. With the support of everyday Australian’s, Rainforest Rescue has now contributed to the purchase of eight properties and is committed to purchasing many more.

There are countless species of native fauna that rely on the rainforest for their survival. Rainforest Rescue’s aim is to create a natural wildlife corridor for species such as the Cassowary, Spotted-tailed Quoll, Bennett’s Tree Kangaroo and other protected species, to move freely throughout the forest. These species are all unique in their own way and rely heavily on the rainforest for food, shelter and finding mates. Sadly, the growth in population and ever-increasing numbers of tourists in Far North Queensland are pushing the endangered Cassowary to extinction. It is estimated that there are only around 1000 Cassowaries in the wild today.

The increase in residential settlement around the Daintree will also lead to calls for a reduction in crocodile numbers. Steve Irwin was strongly against the killing of any crocodiles and buying back land before it is developed is a certain way to protect these amazing creatures.

From Brisbane, Rainforest Rescue has been working with the rainforest-based Daintree Rainforest Foundation to buy land and place it in purposely created and gazetted Nature Refuges. Kelvin Davies, Executive Director of Rainforest Rescue says “We’ve had everyone from young children donating a few dollars of their pocket money to businesses donating substantial amounts, all in aid of our precious Daintree rainforest”. He adds “Rainforest Rescue creates opportunities for individuals, families, organisations and businesses to become involved in successful projects that protect and restore our dwindling rainforests and each donation achieves a very tangible outcome”.

For as little as $2 you can buy one square metre of rainforest. 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, Queenlsand 4066.

Michael Snedic is a Brisbane-based nature photographer and writer who is passionate about Australia’s natural environment and its wildlife. To view Michael’s website, please go to www.michaelsnedic.com.

• Cassowary - there are only around 1000 of these majestic birds left in the wild, many of them relying on the Daintree rainforest for their survival