New funding boost for biodiversity and key Cape York natural resource management projects

27 September 2024

Cape York Natural Resource Management (Cape York NRM) is set to spearhead several vital initiatives aiming to protect key species and ecosystems thanks to a new round of more than $215 million in Australian government funding.

The projects – part of the government’s ongoing commitment to protect Australia’s rich biodiversity – covered more than 115 initiatives targeted at species conservation and habitat restoration nationwide.

Senator for Queensland Nita Green said this funding will support Cape York NRM to continue what they do best – protecting species and restoring their habitat.

“I’m very pleased these projects will benefit some of the key endangered species in Far North northern Queensland like the Spectacled Flying-Fox and the beautiful Golden-Shouldered Parrot,” she said.

 “Restoring nesting and foraging habitat and controlling invasive species like pigs and gamba grass are how we put our precious threatened species on a path to recovery.”

Cape York NRM CEO Pip Schroor said the organisation was honoured to play their part.

“Cape York NRM is honoured to be a part of these transformative projects, which will not only safeguard some of our most vulnerable species but also enhance the ecosystems that are the lifeblood of our region,” she said.

“By collaborating with Traditional Owners, land managers, and scientists, we are combining the strength of traditional knowledge with modern conservation techniques to protect the Spectacled Flying Fox, the Golden-Shouldered Parrot, and vital rainforest habitats.

“This funding allows us to continue our commitment to sustainable land management and biodiversity protection, ensuring a healthy future for Cape York's unique environment.”

The initiatives form part of a broader national effort to target invasive pests, weeds, diseases, and other threats to Australia’s biodiversity such as the Eastern Forests of Far North Queensland (FNQ), identified in the Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032.

The funding also supported more than 60 projects across Australia, including pest, weed, and fire management, improved habitat restoration and better water management in Ramsar wetlands. The work will be guided by the expertise of First Nations people, natural resource managers, scientists, conservation organisations, and community groups.

The Projects

These projects are funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and the Saving Native Species Program, delivered by Cape York NRM, as a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners Panel:

Spectacled Flying-Fox: This project, in collaboration with the Spectacled Flying-fox Recovery Team, will partner with land managers, Traditional Owners, and scientists to increase scientific knowledge and cultural awareness of the species in Cape York. It will improve roosting sites and foraging habitat through habitat assessments, supporting recovery efforts for the vulnerable Spectacled Flying-fox and contributing to stabilising or improving its population across its range.

Littoral Rainforest Restoration: This project aims to improve the condition of Coastal Littoral Rainforest and Vine Thickets in Eastern Australia through on-ground actions such as feral animal and weed control, fire management, and restricting vehicle access to reduce key threats.

Golden-Shouldered Parrot: This project will increase scientific knowledge and local and cultural awareness of the Golden-Shouldered Parrot in Cape York and increase the condition of Golden-Shouldered Parrot nesting and foraging habitat through the implementation of appropriate fire regimes, control of invasive animals including pigs, horses and unmanaged cattle, and control of invasive weeds including gamba grass.

Saving Native Species (Priority Places) Improving the condition of Eastern Forests of FNQ: The project will improve priority areas of Eastern Forests in Far North Queensland, focusing on Littoral Rainforest, Coastal Vine Thickets, and Lowland Tropical Rainforest. It will enhance habitats for threatened species like the Golden-Shouldered Parrot, Spectacled Flying Fox, and Northern Quolls by implementing fire management, controlling invasive animals, and managing weeds. Habitat and fauna surveys will track improvements in native plant diversity and the presence of threatened species.

Additionally, the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator Program: The Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (SAF) is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.

The SAF is a designated central contact point for farmers, landholders, industry, and community groups and will aim to support sustainable agricultural practices in Cape York.

The SAF role will also perform services that support regional capacity services and other sustainable agriculture-related project services. SAFs are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.

With funding from both the $1.1 billion Natural Heritage Trust and the $224.5 million Saving Native Species Program, this ensures essential resources are directed toward protecting Australia’s unique biodiversity.

For more information visit https://www.dcceew.gov.au/about/news/more-than-215-million-dollars-new-species-biodiversity-projects

Photo: iStock by Getty Images

Media Contacts

Christine Howes - Communications Editor, Cape York NRM

P: 0419 656 277   E: media@capeyorknrm.com.au