The Rainforest 4 Foundation is teaming up with the We Are Explorers group to crowdfund the money to buy a block of land to be transferred to the Daintree National Park.
The block will cost $25,000 and is one hectare of Lowland Daintree Rainforest. It is one block of 1,100 that were subdivided and excluded from the Daintree National Park and World Heritage Area in the 1980s. Since that time there has been a concerted effort to restrict development in the area and buy back the blocks.
‘There are around 500 of the blocks that have been bought back by various not-for-profit groups and government buybacks,’ said Kelvin Davies, founder of Rainforest 4 Foundation.
While about three hundred houses have been built in the area the Queensland government has passed legislation that doesn’t allow mains electricity to be provided north of the Daintree River.
‘That means anyone who does build in this area has to be self sufficient,’ said Mr Davies. ‘The government has also not built a bridge across the river so the only way to cross is by ferry.’
Returned to National Parks
Once purchased, the block will be owned by the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, who will then transfer the title to the National Parks estate.
‘The vision for purchase of this land is to remove the threat of further development while supporting the traditional custodians, the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, in caring for country,’ said Henry Brydon in a press release.
‘This incredible block is part of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. A habitat to the endangered Southern Cassowary, the rare and near-threatened Thornton Aspen, as well as more than 150 native plant species, it is imperative that it is protected. The fundraising goal of $25,000 for Lot 305 is a highly achievable one. For just $25, donors can protect 10m2 of this habitat.’
The campaign to raise the $25,000 will launch on 14 November and you can support them through the website.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
