- Wet Tropics Management
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The benefits of ongoing funding of landscape restoration on the Atherton Tablelands is helping farmers improve their land, while also protecting the upper catchment of the Great Barrier Reef and building resilience into the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area the
The Wet Tropics Management Authority today announced the last remaining residential areas in Bentley Park free of yellow crazy ants. The 70.2 hectares of residential area now declared eradicated is in addition to the 199.6 hectares eradicated last year. This
The tabling in Australian Parliament this month of the Wet Tropics Management Authority’s the Authority) State of Wet Tropics Report reveals the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area the Area) faces significant environmental challenges—including increasing impacts of climate change
Gaining an insight into the cultural landscape of Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area the Area) is now possible with a new interactive map launched at an event today at the Cairns Convention Centre. Working closely
Individuals and organisations who have contributed to conserving, protecting and raising awareness of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area the Area) were recognised on Friday 6 September at the 20th Cassowary Awards. More than 170 people enjoyed the prestigious event at
The Wet Tropics Management Authority looks forward to celebrating community contributions to World Heritage management in the Wet Tropics at the 20th Cassowary Awards tomorrow! With this event shifting to paper-free, the mobile-friendly digital program is now available for downloading.
Nominations for the Cassowary Awards have been extended, giving the Wet Tropics community one more week to nominate an individual, group or organisation that deserves recognition for their hard work. Be quick—nominations must close Wednesday 7 August 2024. The Wet
Have your kids ever asked you what type of ant is crawling along the patio? What about the one they spotted in the backyard or discovered while out camping? Now the answers to those tricky questions from young inquisitive minds can
Confused about where invasive ants are found in far north Queensland, the threat they pose to the environment, who manages them and what your responsibilities may be? A new and interactive online tool aims to alleviate the confusion between the
The spread of invasive plants and animals poses a significant threat to the environment and can have major impacts on industries and people’s quality of life. That is why Kuranda EnviroCare, in partnership with Wet Tropics Management Authority, have joined
The Wet Tropics Management Authority the Authority) has declared a major milestone, the largest single eradication of yellow crazy ants in the world. The ants have been eradicated over an area of 365ha in farmland, suburban areas and rainforest, including
The holiday season is usually a time to drop the worries of the year, relax and enjoy being with loved ones. This year in Far North Queensland the edge was taken off our pre-holiday preparations as Cyclone Jasper arrived. It
Climate change is increasing threats to the Wet Tropics rainforests of Far North Queensland, but there remains a narrow window where we can bring threatened species back from the brink through bold new programs and partnerships. That is the sombre
As Queensland’s post-COVID tourism recovery gathers momentum, the Wet Tropics Management Authority the Authority) is celebrating the reappointment of eco-tourism expert Dr Sally Driml as a director to its Board for a further three years. Dr Driml has a substantial
The Cassowary Recovery Team has released a fact sheet to answer questions from the community about the cassowary land bridge, currently under construction over the Bruce Highway at Smiths Gap. The bridge is part of a highway upgrade to install
The Wet Tropics Management Authority is celebrating the successful eradication of yellow crazy ants from two sites totalling 48 hectares south of Cairns. This is a huge win for nature and a massive relief for residents of the affected areas.
The Wet Tropics Management Authority the Authority) is sending experienced team members to the Whitsundays to take part in a five-day taskforce focusing on the yellow crazy ant infestation in that region. A detailed land survey across 78.5 hectares in
The Board of the Wet Tropics Management Authority has released its latest position statement supporting the Uluru Statement from the Heart, in particular, a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Australian Constitution. The Authority’s Chair, Chrissy Grant, said
Public consultation on the draft National Recovery Plan for the Southern Cassowary is now open. Prepared by the Cassowary Recovery Team and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, in consultation with a range of species experts, land
The Wet Tropics Management Authority the Authority) is celebrating the appointment of a new director to its Board. A Djabugay and Yidinji man, Mr William Enoch-Tranby has been appointed as a Director for the Authority and he brings with him
Plans for a new Indigenous advisory committee will ensure Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples have more say in how the Wet Tropics of Queensland is managed. The Wet Tropics Management Authority the Authority), the statutory body established under the Wet Tropics World
A new report highlights the importance of landscape restoration to not only build resilience of the Wet Tropics but to also create opportunities in new emerging markets across the Wet Tropics region that benefit the environment. The Wet Tropics Management
The Australian Government $24.8m budget commitment over four years to eradicating yellow crazy ants will ensure the important work the Wet Tropics Management Authority will be able to continue. The Authority’s Executive Director, Scott Buchanan said: “This shows the Australian
The work of people and organisations who have contributed to conserving, protecting and raising awareness about the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area the Area) was recognised last night at the 19th Cassowary Awards. More than 160 people enjoyed the prestigious
“Ensuring Wet Tropics landscapes thrive under a changing climate” Our commitment The Wet Tropics Restoration Alliance the Alliance) is a coalition of organisations working together to ensure Wet Tropics landscapes and the wildlife they support thrive under a changing and
A new infestation of yellow crazy ants has been detected by the Wet Tropics Management Authority near Gordonvale. Officers from the Authority detected the infestation in rugged country within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area while they were carrying out
A new tour guide training and development program for Queensland’s Wet Tropics will reaffirm the far north as a leader in World Heritage tourism as the industry bounces back. The Wet Tropics Management Authority the Authority) are collaborating with the
A $395,000 Australian Heritage Grant will increase education, awareness and recognition of the Indigenous heritage values and cultural landscape of the Wet Tropics. The Chair of the Wet Tropics Management Authority, Chrissy Grant said: “The first step is for us
A $65.6m funding commitment by the Queensland Government yesterday to improve the environment of the Great Barrier Reef catchment area has been welcomed by the Wet Tropics Management Authority. Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister
Today is the International Day of Forests, and the Wet Tropics Management Authority is celebrating by announcing that we can create economic opportunities while tackling climate change through forest restoration. Released last year, The State of Wet Tropics Report 2020–2021: Growing
The appointment of two new directors to the board of the Wet Tropics Management Authority brings expertise in both the impacts of climate change and regional and environmental planning in the region. Professor Stephen Williams is a rainforest ecologist whose
A plan to develop a sustainable and resilient future for tourism in Far North Queensland’s Wet Tropics has been launched by the Wet Tropics Management Authority. The Wet Tropics Sustainable Tourism Plan the Plan) recognises tourism as the economic engine
The Wet Tropics Management Authority is celebrating the appointment of two Rainforest Aboriginal women to its Board. An Eastern Kuku Yalanji woman has been appointed as the new incoming Chair, while Ms Ailsa Lively, a Gunggandji woman, has been appointed
The offices of the Wet Tropics Management Authority are closed to the public until 5pm Wednesday 11 August due to the COVID-19 lockdown of Cairns. Where possible, Authority staff are working from home. If you need to contact a staff
The Wet Tropics Management Authority has won a prestigious international award recognising its work in restoring rainforest on Mt Hypipamee in the Atherton Tablelands section of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area the Area). The Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia
Recent media reports about the use of glyphosate in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area the Area) have inaccurately suggested that the Wet Tropics Management Authority the Authority) has allowed inappropriate use of the herbicide within the Area. The Authority’s
The work of people and organisations that have contributed to conserving, protecting and raising awareness about the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area the Area) was recognised last night at the 18th Cassowary Awards. More than 170 people enjoyed the gala
A new report identifies climate change as the most significant threat to the rainforests of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area the Area) and that it is already impacting parts of the region. The State of the Wet
The new directors are Christine Grant, a Kuku Yalanji woman with more than 35 years ’experience working with communities in cultural and resource management across Australia and overseas, and Dr Sally Driml, a university lecturer who has worked with the
The stimulus package has been created following a collaboration between Far North QLD tourism, business, university and environment sectors. Key representatives from the consortium contributing to the stimulus package said in a statement that: “Our industries, especially tourism, are suffering
The infestation was discovered in bushland on 6 April by a local resident near Vico Street, Gordonvale. The Authority is undertaking investigations to try and ascertain the source of the infestation. The Authority Executive Director Scott Buchanan said: “Thanks to
A Rainforest Aboriginal Grant last year allowed Traditional Owners from the Gulngay and Jirrbal Rainforest Aboriginal Tribal Groups to share their stories about the Tully River at the 2019 World Rafting Championships last May. Whitney Rassip, Girringun Indigenous Protected Areas
The free series of images, creating a surreal experience of the world heritage listed landscape, are available for download from the Authority’s website from Wednesday 29 April, 2020. Authority Executive Director Scott Buchanan said the Authority hoped the images would
Amidst the remote and rugged mountains that trace Australia’s eastern coastline lies one of the ecological wonders of the world: A patchwork of temperate rainforests that trace their roots to the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana. The Gondwanan rainforests are a living
The Tree-dwellers of the Tropics stamp issue depicts Australia’s largest tree-climbing mammal, the Bennett’s Tree-kangaroo, the Lemuroid Ringtail Possum which is only found in the Wet Tropics of Queensland, and the Spectacled Flying-fox. Australia Post consulted with experts from the
The Tropical Treasures art exhibition—a series of remarkable artworks inspired by months researching the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area—toured the Far North in September. While in residence at the Queensland State Archives, artist Donna Davis looked into the 30 year
In early October the ABC’s 7.30 ran a story on rainforests and bushfires. Historically, rainforests tend not to burn—as the name implies, they are simply too wet. But the recent devastating bushfires in south-east Queensland, Cape York's Kutini-Payamu Iron Range)
In mid-September Jirrbal Traditional Owners returned to Urumbal Pocket adjacent to the Koombooloomba Dam on the Evelyn Tableland, south-west of Innisfail. The term ‘pocket’ is used for areas, like this one, which are patches of country where dense rainforest was
From Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 October, the Koster’s curse task force visited Mamu country in Wooroonooran National Park to make further inroads to removing these highly invasive plants. Led by the Mamu Aboriginal Corporation through Mamu Environmental Services, the
The Queensland Government has confirmed that the construction of the world's first cassowary crossing will begin in November. Set to be built over the Bruce Highway at Smith’s Gap, about 2km south of El Arish, the land bridge is part
In September the Western Yalanji people revealed the results of many years of hard work when they introduced the perfectly recreated cast of an ancient dendroglyph tree carving) from their rainforest country. The cast was taken after the tree on
Senior Planning Officer Eli Taylor went mountain biking on the 2019 Far North Wilderness Bike Tour. In its 18th year, the ride is organised by the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre. The bike tour climbs from sea level between
As part of the Great Northern Clean Up, on September 15 we held our annual Wet Tropics Clean Up at Wangetti Beach. Volunteers noticed a decline in rubbish, picking up only 5 bags of rubbish this year compared to the
Fourteen years ago 2005), Elders from 18 Rainforest Aboriginal tribal groups signed a Regional Agreement with the Wet Tropics Management Authority, the Queensland Government and the Australian Government. The Regional Agreement provides a framework for the involvement of Rainforest Aboriginal
Climate Week Queensland 2019 provided a forum for leaders and sub-national governments to share ideas and build a community of action against climate change. The week investigated ways of transitioning the state to a low-carbon, clean growth economy and adapting
The 13th Wet Tropics Tour Guide Program workshop and field school took place in the Daintree on 19–21 June. An excellent turnout saw 24 participants, including guides and Djabugay Aboriginal Corporation rangers, embrace the theme ‘People of the Daintree’. Natural
It was a fantastic night enjoyed by all at the 2019 Cassowary Awards. Sponsors, nominees and community members all came together to celebrate the exceptional efforts showcased by the nominees in the conservation and presentation throughout the Wet Tropics World
The Wet Tropics Management Authority’s Board of Directors gathered for a board meeting on 4–5 March, taking the time in a busy agenda to undertake a field trip with Mandingalbay Ancient Indigenous Tours and Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples. A visit to
Our rainforests are still green, but behind the leaves our unique Wet Tropics species are declining following the recent heat waves and the hottest summer on record. The lemuroid ringtail possum is at imminent risk of extinction from known strongholds
In April, the Wet Tropics Management Authority welcomed the Australian Government’s 3-year, $9 million funding commitment to secure the future of the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program. In June, the Queensland Government also announced an additional $9 million over the
Today marks the start of a week-long environmental taskforce entering the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area to hunt for the invasive yellow crazy ant. The Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils FNQROC) and the Wet Tropics Management Authority have
Outstanding contributions to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area were celebrated at the Wet Tropics Management Authority’s Cassowary Awards in Cairns on Saturday night. Around 250 guests applauded the 10 award recipients, from over 50 nominations, while enjoying the atmosphere
Long-term contributions by Rainforest Aboriginal People to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area have been recognised with a number of nominations for the upcoming Cassowary Awards. The Wet Tropics Management Authority today announced nominees for the People Country Culture Award,
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The Queensland Government today announced $9 million over the next 3 years to support Yellow Crazy Ant eradication in the Wet Tropics region. Chair of the Wet Tropics Management Authority, Leslie Shirreffs, welcomed the commitment, which matches that of the
Leading tourist guides and operators from the length and breadth of the Wet Tropics are nominated in the Tourism and Presentation category at the upcoming Cassowary Awards. The award, sponsored by Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, recognises efforts to promote the Wet
A field of persuasive and passionate Cassowary Awards nominees’ shows that the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area’s future is in good hands, says teacher and former winner Sandra Charlton. The Wet Tropics Management Authority today announced nominees in the Education
A competitive field of 11 nominees will vie for the Wet Tropics Management Authority’s Cassowary Award named after late conservationist Margaret Thorsborne. The Thorsborne Award for Community Conservation and Rehabilitation is sponsored by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and recognises
Staff of the Wet Tropics Management Authority are saddened by the passing of inaugural executive director and conservation leader, Peter Hitchcock, on Monday. Peter set the foundations for the Wet Tropics Management Authority at a time when World Heritage listing
The Board of the Wet Tropics Management Authority has called for urgent action and investment following new evidence of escalating climate change impacts on the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area. The lemuroid ringtail possum is at imminent
The Wet Tropics Management Authority has received a strong pool of 50 nominations for the 2019 Cassowary Awards. The Authority’s Executive Director, Scott Buchanan, said nominees come from throughout the Wet Tropics and work and volunteer in a variety of
The Wet Tropics Management Authority welcomes the Australian Government’s three-year, $9 million funding commitment to secure the future of the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program. In 2016, the Australian and Queensland governments funded the Authority’s eradication program for three years.
The Wet Tropics Management Authority welcomes nominations for the 2019 Cassowary Awards. The Cassowary Awards recognise exceptional contributions to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in nine categories: Tourism and Presentation Innovation Education People. Country. Culture. Award Community Champions Local
14 December 2018—The Wet Tropics Management Authority has announced the eradication of yellow crazy ants from the residences and surrounding forested area at Waterfall Close, Edmonton – the third site where yellow crazy ants have been successfully eradicated under the Authority’s
9 December 2018—Queensland Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch today announced the reappointment of the Wet Tropics Management Authority Board of Directors. The reappointment of the Board was agreed by Minister Enoch and by the former Federal Minister for the Environment and
9 December 2018—Queensland Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch joined with industry and community leaders to commemorate the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area’s thirtieth anniversary. The Wet Tropics was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 9 December 1988,
A keen-eyed local pest controller has reported the discovery of a new yellow crazy ant infestation in Mount Sheridan, south of Cairns. Upon hearing the report on 16 October, the Wet Tropics Management Authority immediately responded to the discovery. It
Thirty years ago, on 9 December 1988, the Wet Tropics of Queensland was inscribed on the World Heritage List. To mark the 30th anniversary, the Wet Tropics Management Authority invites you to view its 30 years of Wet Tropics World
A new video featuring Wet Tropics locals people, plants and animals) was released in September in celebration of Threatened Species Day and National Biodiversity Month. ‘Explore the secret lives of Tropical North Queensland’s endangered species’ is the product of a
Six years ago, on 9 November 2012, the Australian Government formally recognised the Indigenous heritage values of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, incorporating these values into the Area’s National Heritage Listing. This was a significant action from the Regional
Local community group, C4, hosted the Wet Tropics Tour Guide Program field school at Mission Beach on 2–3 November. The school brought groups and individuals from across the region together to explore tourism, conservation ideas as well as development opportunities in the
On Thursday 1 November, ant ecologist and former Cairns local Dr Abbott, now at University of New England, and Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Traditional Owner Gudju Gudju, a tribal ecologist and director of Abriculture, spoke at the Authority’s Science in the Pub event about
The world lost one of its true warriors with the passing of Mrs Margaret Thorsborne AO on 16 October 2018. Margaret was exceptional in her passion for and commitment to wildlife and the environment. She dedicated her life to conservation
A collaborative research project launched in Cairns today is making up to $40,000 available for traditional Aboriginal land and water management research to inform future practices in the Wet Tropics. The project is being administered by the Wet Tropics Cooperative
Councils, land managers and Traditional Owners from Cooktown to Hinchinbrook will join forces in an annual environmental taskforce to combat yellow crazy ants in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and surrounds. The Wet Tropics Management Authority and Far North
Local councils, land managers and Traditional Owners from Cooktown to Hinchinbrook joined forces in August for the annual environmental taskforce to combat yellow crazy ants in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and surrounds. The Wet Tropics Management Authority and Far North Queensland
View e-newsletter In this edition Community and industry join to tackle climate change Authority staffer collects leadership prize Wet Tropics board takes to the road Cultural capability training emphasises respect and responsibility Rainforest Aboriginal News recognises Wet Tropics women 30th
To mark NAIDOCWeek 2018’s theme—“Because of her, we can!”—the latest edition of the Rainforest Aboriginal News celebrates inspiring women who are leading the charge in managing the natural and cultural values of the Wet Tropics. From Elders to board directors,
More than 40 natural resource managers, Traditional Owners and industry leaders joined with the Wet Tropics Management Authority in early July to discuss climate change and its impact on the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The Authority’s Climate Change Adaptation
The Wet Tropics Management Authority has appointed a sugarcane industry engagement officer to assist canegrowers to eradicate yellow crazy ants south of Cairns. Wesley Moller brings 30 years of cane industry experience to the Authority’s Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program.
Everyone has a responsibility in respecting and preserving First Nations people’s cultural heritage. That is one of the messages Wet Tropics Management Authority staff took from recent cultural capability training, delivered by Mandingalbay Yidinji and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
The Wet Tropics Management Authority congratulates project officer Alicia Haines, who was last month named as a Top 10 Leader at the inaugural IPAA Queensland Top 10 Young Leaders Awards ceremony. Executive director, Scott Buchanan said the honour recognised Alicia’s
The Wet Tropics Management Authority hit the road in June, taking its quarterly board meeting to the Atherton Tablelands. Directors held a strategic planning workshop to consider emerging issues, challenges and opportunities for the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area over
In 2018 the Wet Tropics Management Authority marks 30 years of Wet Tropics World Heritage. As part of our WetTropics30 celebrations, we take a look back at news stories which illuminate this fascinating and at times controversial period. The inscription
The Wet Tropics Management Authority launched its celebrations of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area’s 30th anniversary at ECOfiesta on Sunday 3 June. The event was marked with the giveaway of 300 native rainforest trees, a range of activities and
Far North Queensland residents can make their own contribution to greening our future by taking home a free tree from Cairns ECOfiesta courtesy of the Wet Tropics Management Authority. The Wet Tropics of Queensland was inscribed as a World Heritage
The Wet Tropics Management Authority recently welcomed two new faces to its Planning and Conservation team. Planning and conservation team manager, Tim Wong, arrives in the Wet Tropics from the cooler climes of Canberra, where he was chief executive officer
The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area’s stunning visual landscape is the subject of the latest State of Wet Tropics Report. The 2016-2017 State of Wet Tropics Report on Natural Beauty and Aesthetic Value of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area was
Mandingalbay Yidinji Ancient Indigenous Tours and Savannah Guides joined with the Authority to host the first on-country Wet Tropics Tour Guide Field School at East Trinity Reserve on 16-17 March. The Field School was designed to provide professional development for tour guides in
A series of field sessions held in April will assist local sugarcane growers to protect their crops against the spread of yellow crazy ants. Yellow crazy ants are listed as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species and have
High achievers from across the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area were honoured at the Wet Tropics Management Authority’s Cassowary Awards in Cairns on 10 March. More than 200 members of the Wet Tropics community gathered at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
A world-renowned tree-kangaroo expert, a cane farmer and an ecologist who has published more than 600 articles are amongst the final Cassowary Awards nominees announced today. The Wet Tropics Management Authority will host the Cassowary Awards at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural
The Wet Tropics Management Authority in conjunction with Terrain NRM has released the 2018 People Country Culture calendar. The calendar showcases ways in which Rainforest Aboriginal people are actively applying traditional knowledge and cultural practice to manage and protect the Wet Tropics cultural
The Wet Tropics Management Authority has announced the first successful eradication of a yellow crazy ant infestation south of Bentley Park. The 10-hectare infestation of a development site near Wiseman Road West was sparked by the illegal dumping of garden
The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area may become the last place in Queensland to see a native rock orchid growing in the wild, according to James Cook University research. The genetic study of Australian rock orchids by PhD candidate Lalita
An elusive vulnerable mouse species has been recorded in Cairns for the first time. The native water mouse Xeromys myoides) was known to occur in mangroves in Darwin, Arnhem Land as well as in Mackay and south to the Queensland
