wet tropics conservation strategy

Priorities in brief

�Eradicate new incursions of Class 1weeds. Increase capacity of specialisedweed prevention and eradication teams.

�Provide better weed information andeducation for land managers and thecommunity.

�Protect and restore landscape vegetationlinkages between the main body of theWHA and outlying coastal and tablelandsections.

�Rehabilitate wetland and river systemswhich can be restored to their naturalstate.

�Prevent the establishment of new feralanimals such as deer and exotic fishspecies.

�Verify the current and potential impactsof climate change and the need forimproved landscape connectivity.

�Promote and support Aboriginalparticipation and the use of traditionalknowledge in conservation management.

�Continue research into the cause, triggersand spread of phytophthora in the WetTropics.

�Complete vegetation mapping for theWet Tropics Bioregion at 1:50,000 andpresent a mapping and associatedinformation in a range of formats forland managers.

�Recognise mapped areas of threatenedecosystems, threatened species habitat,and key vegetation corridors under Stateand Commonwealth legislation.

�Implement fire regimes in woodland andsclerophyll forests to maintain habitatdiversity for rare and threatened speciessuch as the mahogany glider, yellow-bellied glider and northern bettong.

�Research and promote the communitybenefits of the WHA for services such asclean water, genetic resources, climateregulation, flood mitigation, recreationand tourism and scenic beauty.

�Encourage the introduction of tradeablerights and financial incentives forconservation on private lands.

�Foster coordinated, cooperativemanagement of the Area andsurrounding lands to ensureconservation of World Heritage values.

Wet Tropics Conservation Strategy 1

This Conservation Strategy does notnecessarily represent the views ofthe Australian and QueenslandGovernments.

Wet Tropics Conservation Strategy

S U M M A RY

2 0 0 4

The World Heritage AreaThe Wet Tropics World Heritage Area has aspecial place in the hearts of our regionalcommunity, being central to our sense of placeand identity. Its spectacular scenery provides abackdrop for our urban and rural lifestyles withmany of us relishing opportunities to experiencethe beauty and grandeur of its rainforests,mountains, rivers, waterfalls and wildlife. TheArea contains some of the richest biodiversity inAustralia and a host of endemic plant and animalspecies. Over 26 Aboriginal tribal groupscontinue to live in and around the Area andsustain their traditional cultural knowledge andconnections to the country.

Community participationThis Conservation Strategy outlines actions toachieve the conservation, rehabilitation andtransmission to future generations of the WetTropics World Heritage Area. The Wet TropicsManagement Plan 1998 provides legislativeprotection for the Area but it has becomeincreasingly apparent to the Authority that theArea must be managed as a core component ofthe whole Wet Tropics Bioregion. Issues such asclimate change, habitat fragmentation, firemanagement and the use of water transcend theArea’s boundaries and require a coordinatedresponse from the entire community. The longterm integrity of the Area will depend oncooperative management and the careful sharingof resources. The willingness of localgovernments, landholders, AboriginalTraditional Owners and the broader communityto offer their expertise and participate inconservation and rehabilitation measures will bevital to the Area’s survival for future generations.

EducationThe Conservation Strategy will serve as animportant educational tool which explains thevalues of the Area and the benefits it provides tothe regional community. The strategy evaluatesthe major threats to the Area and howlandholders, the community and the Authoritycan help address these threats. Comprehensiveand wide ranging, the strategy demonstrates theneed for the better and more efficient use ofexisting resources and the Authority hopes that itcan be used to help attract additional resourcesto conserve the Area.

Integrated planningThe Conservation Strategy will also contribute toother Wet Tropics conservation planningprocesses. The detailed priorities inform the WetTropics Natural Resource Management Planwhich governs the expenditure of NHT funds andother investment in the region. Many of theConservation Strategy’s actions will also bebeneficial for the neighbouring Great BarrierReef World Heritage Area. There areopportunities to share resources and planningfor the benefit of both World Heritage Areas.

The Conservation Strategy also complementsexisting Wet Tropics strategies and agreements.The Nature Based Tourism Strategy and WalkingStrategy provide a framework for the ecologicallysustainable management of tourism andrecreation in and around the World HeritageArea. The forthcoming Wet Tropics RegionalAgreement with Aboriginal groups will providefor Aboriginal representation and participationin all aspects of conservation management.

Thanks to contributorsThe Wet Tropics Management Authorityappreciates the contributions and support of theQueensland Parks and Wildlife Service in thedevelopment of this Conservation Strategy, aswell as contributions from State and AustralianGovernment agencies, Rainforest Aboriginalpeople, research scientists, conservation groups,local government, primary industry groups, thetourism industry, World Heritage landholdersand neighbours and other interested members ofthe public.

This summary and the full Conservation Strategyare available in book form and on the Authority’swebsite. It is the result of two years of research,listening, learning and negotiation by theAuthority. I wholeheartedly recommend thisstrategy to the Wet Tropics community and trustthat it will contribute to the growing communityappreciation and support for the conservation ofour unique and beautiful World Heritage Area.

John Grey AC ~ Lieutenant General (Retired)

CHAIR, WET TROPICS MANAGEMENTAUTHORITY BOARD, August 2004.

World Heritage Values

The WHA is predominantly renowned for therainforests which cloak its rugged mountainranges and some coastal ranges and lowlands.The Area also contains numerous othervegetation communities such as wet and drysclerophyll forests, riverine communities,melaleuca swamps, wetlands, coastal scrub andmangroves. Soils in the WHA arepredominantly derived from granites andrhyolites, and metamorphic sedimentary rocks.There are also some soils associated with basaltflows on the Atherton Tableland and the coastallowlands have extensive alluvial plains wheresoils can be over 60 metres deep.

The ancient rainforests conserve anextraordinary diversity of plants and animalsincluding cycad, fern and conifer species whichevolved 200 million years ago. They contain 13of the 19 primitive flowering plant families -more than anywhere else in the world. Thereare over 2,800 plant species and over 740vertebrate animal species. The WHA (0.26% ofAustralia by area) contains a disproportionatelyrich variety of Australian plants and animals,many of which are endemic, rare or threatened.

Our knowledge of the Wet Tropics and itscomplex biodiversity and ecosystems hascontinued to grow through scientific research.However, there is still much to understandabout many facets of the natural environmentand new ways of perceiving complexecosystems. For instance, most research has sofar concentrated on vertebrates and largerplants. Very little is known about the vital rolesplayed by insects and other invertebrates,algae, fungi, moulds and bacteria in WetTropics ecosystems. The life forms and ecologyof the rainforest canopy and the soils remainrelatively unknown. Processes such asrainforest succession, the breakdown of plantmaterial and carbon and nitrogen cycles arestill not fully understood.

Many ecosystems and ecological processestranscend WHA boundaries, so there may alsobe values of WH significance outside theboundaries as well as biodiversity required tomaintain the integrity of the WHA. The WHAforms the core of the Wet Tropics Bioregion.With an area of 1,849,725 hectares thebioregion is about twice the size of the WHA(894,420 hectares) and 77% of the bioregionretains remnant vegetation. It consists of ninesubregions based on differences in climate,geology and landform, all of which arerepresented in the WHA. The bioregion(including coastal sections of the WHA) isdirectly adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef WorldHeritage Area.

Regional Ecosystems (REs) provide a consistentframework for prioritising efforts to conservebiodiversity. They are used under theVegetation Management Act 1999 (VMA) andthe Land Act 1994 to help assess applicationsfor land clearing. Of the 105 Wet TropicsRegional Ecosystems, 94 are represented in theWHA, as are 18 of the 24 endangeredecosystems and all 17 ‘of concern’ RegionalEcosystems. Most endangered ecosystems areon the coastal lowlands or tablelands whereclearing and drainage have drastically reducedtheir distribution. The additional detail ofStanton vegetation mapping (1:50,000) will beused to update and refine REs within the WetTropics region.

What we need to do�Focus management on high or unique

biodiversity areas such as mountain tops andhigh rainfall areas.

�Focus management on areas of endangeredand ‘of concern’ REs and other ecosystemswith significant threats.

�Register habitat of endangered species underthe EPBC Act, IPA, VMA (for freehold land)and the Land Act (for leasehold and statelands) to prevent further clearing ofsignificant vegetation and habitat.

�Complete the 1:50,000 Stanton vegetationmapping and present the mapping andassociated information in a range of formatsthat can be easily accessed to help manageconservation issues such as fire, pest anddisease management.

�Complete pre-clearing Regional Ecosystemmapping for the Wet Tropics Bioregion.

�Develop and implement the Mabi ForestRecovery Plan.

�Continue research into key ecosystemprocesses essential for World Heritageconservation including forest dynamics,pollination, seed dispersal, animal dispersalwater cycles, mineral cycles and energyflows.

�Undertake modelling and mapping ofbiodiversity values, socioeconomic valuesand environmental threats to help refineconservation and rehabilitation priorities forthe Wet Tropics.

Rare and threatened animals and plants are amajor focus for conservation management.Many conservation activities such asrehabilitation of wildlife corridors and firemanagement focus on habitat for rare andthreatened species and ecosystems.

Maintaining maximum habitat diversity andconnectivity must be the most importantstrategy. The Wet Tropics Bioregion has a totalof 98 animal species (82 in the WHA) officiallylisted as threatened. Over 2,800 plant speciesfrom 221 families are found in the Wet TropicsWHA. More than 700 plant species (25%) areendemic to the WHA. More than 350 plants areconsidered rare or threatened.

What we need to do�Promote the retention of remnant habitat

and restoration of habitat along criticalcorridors (See page 7, Externalfragmentation, for corridor details).

�Manage fire regimes in sclerophyll forests tomaintain habitat diversity for rare andthreatened species such as the mahoganyglider, fluffy glider, northern bettong andendangered terrestrial orchids (See page 9,Altered fire regimes).

�Protect the habitat of key endangered specieshabitat (as mapped for cassowary, mahoganyglider and northern bettong) under the EPBCAct, IPA, NCA, VMA and Land Act.

�Introduce Conservation Plans under the NCAfor the cassowary, mahogany glider andnorthern bettong.

�Implement Recovery Plans for individualspecies under the EPBC Act.

�Nominate further threatened species forlisting under the EPBC Act and NCA.

�Map distribution of northern bettongs tocomplement completed cassowary andmahogany glider mapping.

�Research spectacled flying-fox distributionand their role in ecological processes.

�Identify and map important hotspots forthreatened species and threateningprocesses, focusing on plants as well asanimals.

2 Wet Tropics Conservation Strategy

The World Heritage Area Regional Ecosystems Rare & threatened species


Regional Ecosystems incorporate many types ofaquatic ecosystems and their specificvegetation such as mangroves, melaleucaswamps, wetland grasses and some riparianvegetation. However REs do not adequatelyaccommodate larger water bodies such asrivers, lakes, dams and estuaries. Aquaticecosystems also have special qualities such astheir linear connectivity across the landscapeand the inherent variability of water flows. Thelinear nature of aquatic ecosystems means thatthey also have the capacity to move andaccumulate threatening processes such assiltation and pollution across large distances.The Wet Tropics Bioregion has aquaticecosystems associated with a variety of riversand creeks, lakes, dams, vegetated wetlands,estuaries and tidal zones. The bioregion isdrained by 13 major river systems, most ofwhich drain eastward into the Great BarrierReef World Heritage Area and are linked tomarine ecosystems there.

What we need to do�Focus conservation management on

ecosystems of particularly high or uniquebiodiversity value such as wetlands ofnational importance; the intact UpperDaintree and Upper Bloomfield Rivers; andthe Johnstone and Russell/Mulgrave Riversystems which form the core of freshwaterfish biodiversity and endemism in the WetTropics region.

�Focus conservation management onecosystems with significant threats such asremnant riparian and wetland corridors;coastal lowland wetlands; and remnantupland coastal wetlands. (See page 9, Alteredwater quality, flow regimes and drainagepatterns)

�Continue to research freshwater ecosystemtaxonomy, processes and connectivity.

The Wet Tropics WHA is also listed for itssuperlative natural phenomena and areas ofexceptional natural beauty. The Wet Tropicsembraces many spectacular landscapes and adiverse range of outstanding landforms,including rainforests, coastlines, wild rivers,waterfalls, rugged gorges, mountain peaks andvolcanic crater lakes. The landscapes of the WetTropics contribute greatly to the quality of lifeof the local community and to the visitorexperience. Many peoplehave a strongappreciation andspiritual connectionwith the scenic andaesthetic values ofthe Area.

Diminishedscenic valuesare oftenassociated with development occurring withinand around the WHA such as scarring fromroads, vegetation clearing, domestic andcommercial buildings and communityinfrastructure. Some scenic landscapes areespecially vulnerable to visual impact due tothe prominence of built structures. Forinstance, development on coastal headlandsand dunes can affect views over long stretchesof coast. Infrastructure such as powerlines,roads, and telecommunications towers onmountains can be particularly unsightly in thenatural environment.

What we need to do�Maintain the scenic beauty of key drives such

as the Daintree to Cape Tribulation Road, theCaptain Cook Highway, the PalmerstonHighway and the Bruce Highway acrossCardwell Range.

�Maintain the scenic landscape integrity ofthe Cairns scenic rim (particularly the EastTrinity vista) and the Hinchinbrook Channelscenic rim.

�Resist further placement of communicationand electrical facilities on high peaks andridgelines and remove redundantinfrastructure where possible.

�Build facilities such as the proposed Ma:Mucanopy walk for educational and scenicopportunities.

�Develop guidelines under s62 of the Plan forconserving scenic values of the WHA.

Studies of the accumulated sediments ofvolcanic lakes (maars) on the AthertonTableland have provided one of the longest andmost detailed vegetation and climatic recordsin the world. Fossil pollen records go back over200,000 years. They are of unparalleledcontinuity and detail for this period. Somemaars such as Lake Eacham and Lake Euramooare in protected areas. Others are on privatelands and the pollen record may be threatened.For instance, Lynch’s Crater has undergonepeat mining since 1985, as well as draining andburning of vegetation and peat sediments bythe dairy industry.

What we need to do�Seek conservation agreements on private

land where they are required to protect therecord of WH vegetation and ecosystemevolution which is preserved in the peat soilsof areas such as Bromfield Swamp, Lynch’sCrater, Strenekoff’s Crater, Quincan Craterand Butcher’s Creek on the AthertonTableland.


Aquatic ecosystems Scenic landscapes & aesthetic values The evolutionary record

�Denotes a high priority action for thenext ten years.

Following extensive consultation with all

major stakeholders, high priority

conservation projects and actions for the

next ten years have been selected taking into

account the following criteria:

• Significance of values of the WHA and

surrounds to be conserved or

rehabilitated,

• Significance of threats to integrity of the

WHA and WH values,

• Ability to achieve practical outcomes,

• Capacity and willingness of land managers,

Aboriginal groups, conservation groups,

researchers and the broader community to

participate,

• Ability to derive funding and assistance

from a variety of sources.



Rainforest Aboriginal people have occupied,used and enjoyed their lands in the Wet TropicsWorld Heritage Area since time immemorial.There are at least 26 Aboriginal tribal groupswith ongoing traditional connections to land inand around the Wet Tropics World HeritageArea. To Rainforest Aboriginal people the Areais a series of complex living cultural landscapes.This means that the country and its naturalfeatures and resources are central to RainforestAboriginal people’s spirituality, culture, socialorganisation and economic use, including food,medicines and tools, (see Table 1).

Conservation of natural WH values isinextricably linked with that of Aboriginalcultural and spiritual values. The ecosystems ofthe Wet Tropics region have evolved overthousands of years through active Aboriginalinteraction with the land and management ofits resources. The participation of TraditionalOwners and their cultural knowledge andperspectives of ecology create a special contextfor conservation management and research ofthe WHA. Activities such as fire management,hunting and gathering, and harvesting ofmaterials for shelter, tools, ceremony or art andcraft are essential for the maintenance ofAboriginal culture and have always beenintegral to conservation in the WHA.

What we need to do�Develop protocols with Aboriginal groups

about how they exercise their Native Titlerights for cultural land managementactivities which may include firemanagement, hunting and harvesting,especially where rare or threatened speciesare involved.

�Develop safe keeping places for Aboriginalcultural knowledge and information.

�Maintain Aboriginal language and culturethrough the use of traditional Aboriginalnames and stories for country.

�Document Aboriginal oral histories regardingtraditional knowledge of land managementand conservation in the WHA.

�Undertake cultural landscape mapping oftraditional lands and associated knowledge.

�Research and support cultural listing of theArea on the National Heritage List and theWorld Heritga List.

The WHA plays a vital role in the life of thecommunity, offering numerous ecosystemgoods and services. These include providingclean water, scenic beauty, electrical energy,recreation and tourism, genetic resources, food,climate regulation, flood mitigation, spiritualvalues and enjoyment, (see Table 2). The trueeconomic value of these goods and services hasbeen little studied. However the direct andindirect benefits of tourism and recreationalone have been estimated at over $750m peryear.

What we need to do�Evaluate the social and economic

contribution of the WHA to the water cycleand water quality.

�Evaluate the socio-economic costs ofvegetation clearing, degradation andrehabilitation, as opposed to the benefits offorest conservation, in the Wet TropicsBioregion.

�Design systems to assess the value of naturalresources for use in tradeable rights andfinancial incentives.

�Update research on the economic value (andcosts) of tourism and recreation in the WHAand surrounds.

Aboriginal cultural heritage values Socio-economic values

• creation stories

• sacred sites

• burial grounds

• bora grounds

• ceremony

• responsibility for country

• totems

• bush tucker(animals and plants)

• bush medicine

• knowledge of ecologicalrelationships

• fire management

• seasonal calendar

• language

• living areas and camps

• walking tracks

• kinship systems

• clans

• cultural identity

• traditional law·

• hunting and gathering

• tools

• food preparation

• shelter building

• harvesting resources

• art and craft

Table 1 - Some Aboriginal cultural values relating to conservation of the WHASpiritual Ecological Social Economic

• biodiversity

• habitats and refugia

• soil formation & fertilitycarbon sequestration

• fixation of solar energy

• biomass production

• pollination

• nutrient recycling

• nitrogen fixing

• water cycles

• genetic resources

• fire regimes

• regulation of regional & microclimates

• flood mitigation

• water purification

• erosion control

• pest control

• groundwater recharge

• waste treatment

• energy conversion

• food

• clean water supply

• energy (hydro & solar)

• shade and shelter

• soils

• pharmaceutical andbiological products

• horticultural products

• art and craft materials

• tourism

• recreation and leisureactivities

• spiritual values andenjoyment

• natural values

• scenic & aesthetic values

• cultural and historical values

• education

• scientific discovery

• sense of place and identity

• maintaining options for thefuture

Environmental valuesand processes Environmental regulation Community provision Community enrichment

Table 2 - Ecosystem goods and services provided by tht WHA



The WHA also has important historical, culturaland spiritual value to the general community.Many people have lived and worked in therainforests and surrounds since the firstexplorations of the area and early pioneeringdays and have developed a deep understandingof its natural values. The Area containsevidence of early explorers such as EdmundKennedy and Christie Palmerston blazing trailsand marking trees. It provides a context forrecords of their travels and meetings withAboriginal people in the 19th Century.Historically, much of the Area has been used bythe logging industry, miners and graziers.Infrastructure such as railways, roads andpowerlines has been constructed throughoutthe Area, and several rivers dammed. Farming,agriculture and settlements have becomeestablished all around the WHA.

The recent history of the World Heritage listingand the fight to save the rainforests also hasimmense historical significance for many in thecommunity. Many current residents andneighbours of the WHA and those who haveworked for its conservation have a historicaland spiritual attachment to the Area and asense of community pride in achieving WorldHeritage status to protect the remainingrainforest communities.

What we need to do�Collect oral histories of people’s knowledge,

use and enjoyment of the WHA and the fightboth for and against WH listing.

�Survey and map heritage sites within theWHA.

The long term integrity and health of the Areadepend on cooperative conservationmanagement outside the Area. There are avariety of agreements and covenants availablefor use between private landholders andCommonwealth, State or local governments toconserve natural areas. Voluntary acquisition ofland is another important means being used toprotect habitat. Many WHA landholders andneighbours operate ecotourism ventures andpromote biodiversity conservation of their landand its WH values. Some ecotourism venturesactively incorporate forest rehabilitation as asignificant part of their tourist activities.

It is extremely important for WH biodiversitythat neighbouring farm managementtechniques be as compatible as possible withconservation aims. Farmers may benefit fromretaining or restoring areas of native foreststhrough ecologically sustainable harvesting,increased crop diversity, improved waterquality, erosion control, flood mitigation, shadeand windbreaks, and pest reduction.

Tradeable rights and financial incentives areviewed as a promising means of promotingconservation on private lands, although theytoo may require legislative support. Theyinclude tax concessions, rate rebates, expertadvice, awards, biodiversity offsets, mitigationbanking of development impacts, increasedsecurity of tenure, and tradeable rights inwater, clearing, drainage, development andcarbon credits.

What we need to do�Acquire strategic land for conservation

purposes (covenant for conservation andresale where appropriate) in areas such asthe Daintree Coast and Mision Beach.

�Negotiate voluntary conservation agreementsand covenants to support conservationmanagement of corridor linkages and criticalthreatened species habitat.

�Encourage a system of tradeable rights andfinancial incentives through State and localgovernment initiatives which rewardlandholders for retaining conservation valuesand remove existing incentives for vegetationclearing.

�Implement industry driven schemes whichpromote the use of environmentalmanagement systems and accreditation byprimary producers.

�Negotiate agreements with graziers tomanage fire, weeds and feral cattle on theirlands adjacent to the WHA.

�Negotiate MOUs or conservation agreementsregarding planting of native species foragroforestry and the right to sustainablyharvest agroforestry on private lands.

�Develop an education package about thevarious means available to privatelandowners to ensure conservationmanagement of their lands.

The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is about894,420 hectares of mostly public land, themajority of which is held in National Park andForest Reserve tenure. The length of theboundary is about 3,000km and stretches forabout 450km from just north of Townsville tojust south of Cooktown. There are about 2,500World Heritage neighbouring properties. Thereis substantial evidence that there are areas withthe potential to be listed as World Heritagewhich lie outside the perimeter of the WHA.These include rare vegetation types, ecotonalareas, coastal vegetation communities, habitatfor rare and threatened species and superlativenatural phenomena. Some areas having limitedWH values are important to ensure WHAintegrity and enable rehabilitation or improvedmanagement of issues such as fire, weeds andwildlife. The Wet Tropics Board and TraditionalOwners have also indicated support for arenomination of the WHA based on culturalvalues. A successful cultural renomination ofthe area may result in boundary changes.

It is important to look for ways to protectvaluable conservation areas outside the WHA.Some areas are currently being grantedprotected area status. The transfer of StateForests and some USL to a tenure under theNCA will affect lands within the WHA as well assome lands adjacent to the current boundaries.

What we need to do�Support landholder participation in the

conservation management of the followingareas with significant biodiversity which maybe of WH significance:

• Annan Rver to Banana Creek.

• Dowlings Hill.

• Mount Simon.

• Daintree lowland rainforests.

• Yarrabah Peninsula.

• Russell and Mulgrave River lowlands.

• Eubenangee Swamp environs.

• Wet sclerophyll forests and rainforests along the western edge of the WHA and atMount Baldy, Hugh Nelson Range andHerberton Range.

• Southern Tablelands rainforest patches.

• Coastal woodlands between Mission Beachand Ingham.

• Coastal areas south of Oyster Point toGirringun NP.

�Complete the QPWS State Forest transferprocess to convert lands with highconservation values outside the WHA toappropriate protected area status.

�Identify and assess areas outside theboundaries for biodiversity significance andthose required for effective conservationmanagement as a basis for negotiation ofconservation management regimes and apossible review of WHA boundaries.

Historical values WHA boundariesConservation on privatelands outside the WHA

Threats to World Heritage Values


Direct & underlyingthreats

Internal fragmentation and community infrastructure

Identifying threatening processes andmonitoring their effects on ecological processesand systems are important for the conservationof biodiversity. There are limits to the resilienceof ecosystems to withstand the stressesimposed by threatening processes. In manysituations, the cumulative loss of biodiversitymay become irreversible. The main threats toecosystems and species in the bioregion areposed by a combination of land clearing,climate change, alterations to drainage systemsand water flows, inappropriate fire regimes,and the invasion of disease, pest animals andenvironmental weeds. These threats mayoriginate both within and outside the WHA.The demands of an increasing population,urbanisation, poor agricultural practices andincreased tourism and recreation underliemany of the direct environmental pressuresplaced on the WHA and surrounds.

Community infrastructure can providesignificant social and economic benefits and isdirectly associated with growth anddevelopment in the region. As the region'spopulation and economy continues to grow, sodo the pressures for new or upgradedcommunity infrastructure in and around theArea. The WHA already suffers from internalfragmentation due to infrastructure corridorsand clearings which may act as barriers toecosystem connectivity, increase edge effectsand provide a conduit for weed and feralanimal invasion. Most cleared areas within theWHA are related to activities and infrastructurethat was in place at the time of listing.

Clearings associated with linear servicecorridors account for 4,475ha, over half ofwhich is maintained for road access orelectricity distribution. Patch clearings accountfor a further 2,733ha, mostly due to artificialdams and impoundments which were presentprior to World Heritage listing.

Electricity infrastructure corridors are oftenwide, with slashed vegetation and vehicleaccess tracks for maintenance purposes. Effortsare being made to revegetate powerlinecorridors and rid them of weeds such as guineagrass which can act as a barrier to wildlife.

A multitude of roads traverse the WHA. Someroads are part of a regional network linkingurban areas and major highway systems.Others are used for recreation, tourism,research, education, management, or access toprivate land or public utilities. Roadsthemselves, traffic use and the vehicle accessroads provide can all have substantial, harmfulimpacts on WH values. Roads may inhibit orprevent wildlife movement in importantterrestrial or aquatic habitats. They maycontribute to landslips and erosion andsedimentation of stream habitats. Their usehelps the spread of weeds and diseases.

The Wet Tropics Management Plan regulatesthe maintenance, upgrade and construction ofroads and electricity and water supplyinfrastructure in the WHA through anassessment and permit process. EnvironmentalManagement Plans (EMPs) and Codes ofPractice form part of the permit conditions.EMPs have been developed for all main roads,local government roads, powerline corridorsand water supplies. Communicationsinfrastructure erected since the Plan is alsosubject to EMPs.

What we need to do�Construct additional wildlife overpasses and

underpasses to link habitat across selectedroads and powerline corridors for prioritylandscape linkages and climate changerefuges above 400m.

�Endeavour to achieve ‘no net adverse impact’on WH values for any upgrades of majorroads through the WHA.

�Continue to develop EMPs for roads in theWHA, addressing environmental risks,maintenance costs and managementstrategies.

�Undertake Bloomfield Road planning toaddress conservation and visitormanagement issues.

�Assess appropriate use and permitconditions for Presentation (Restricted)Roads such as Mount Lewis, Mt Edith andKauri Creek Roads, Culpa Road, Maple Creekand Sutties Gap Roads, Cochable Creek Roadand Shoteel Creek Road.

�Review the status under the Plan ofredundant or unused ‘Presentation(Restricted) Roads’ such as the Bump Trackand Kennedy Falls Track.

�Review the status under the Plan of‘Management Roads’ such as SouthedgeRoad and Mount Lewis Road (past the gate).

�Develop s62 guidleines under the Plan toassist infrastructure providers to meet therhe requirments of ‘no net adverse impact onWH values.



The fragmented nature of the WHA makes itsconservation inherently difficult. Ecologicalfragmentation restricts the movement ofspecies between habitat fragments. This canalter historic, natural patterns of gene flowamong populations, which may reduce theability of populations to adapt to change,reduce dispersal of seeds and pollens, and haveserious consequences for the long termpreservation of evolutionary diversity. Speciesin ‘island’ habitats are more susceptible toextinction. Isolated pockets of habitat can onlysupport small populations and these may beeasily wiped out by gradual changes such asclimate change or extreme events such as fireor drought. Large animals can be especiallysusceptible as they often need large areas tomaintain viable populations. A fragmentedlandscape also greatly increases the total lengthof edges, increasing their vulnerability toexternal disturbances such as fire, microclimatealterations and invasions by non-nativespecies. Protection of existing vegetationproviding habitat connectivity is vital and morecost effective than rehabilitation. However,rehabilitation is central to community efforts torestore biodiversity. Most rehabilitation isfocused on restoring landscape linkages forwildlife or repairing riparian systems to reduceerosion and improve water quality.

What we need to do�Protect and restore habitat along vital

landscape linkages. These include:

• WHA linkages in the Julatten area.

• Kuranda EnviroLink Corridor.

• Corridors joining Lake Barrine, LakeEacham, Gadgarra State Forest andPeterson Creek.

• Mt Fisher corridors east to Mt FatherClancy, south to Wooroonooran NP andnorth to the Hugh Nelson Range.

• Russell River NP to Bramston Beach,Ella Bay NP, and the Bellenden Kerfoothills (Mutchero Inlet and Frenchman’sCreek).

• Eubenangee Swamp east-west linkage,

• Moresby and Liverpool Creeks to BasiliskRange.

• Kurramine Beach to Garners Beach.

• Walter Hill Range corridor - MissionBeach to Japoon Forest Reserve.

• Murray River east-west linkage.

• Edmund Kennedy National Park toCardwell Range east-west linkages.

• North Meunga wet woodlands.

• Paluma Range to the coast linkages.

�Conserve significant patches of remnantvegetation on the coastal lowlands andtablelands.

�Complete fine scale mapping of significantremnant vegetation within the Wet Tropicsbioregion to identify remaining vegetationand values.

�Investigate the feasibility of cheapertechniques in rehabilitation programs suchas direct seeding, weed control, mulchingand fencing.

�Establish rehabiliation methods for a varietyof different vegetation communities such assclerophyll forests, wetlands and coastalareas with exposed acid sulphate soils.

Climate change is a change in either the meanstate of the climate or in its variability,persisting for an extended period, typicallydecades or longer. It encompasses temperatureincrease (global warming), sea-level rise,changes in precipitation patterns and increasedfrequencies of extreme events such as fires andcyclones. It is estimated there is a 20 year timelag between the emission of greenhouse gasesand their effects on climate change.

Even small changes in average globaltemperatures will have a major impact onnatural environments. Climate change isemerging as a major threat to the biodiversityvalues of the WHA and can exacerbate theimpacts of other threatening processes. Climatechange can cause ecosystem disturbance,create changes in water and fire regimes andincrease vulnerability to invasion by feralanimals, weeds and pathogens. The Wet TropicsWHA is especially vulnerable to climate change,being fragmented and surrounded byagricultural and urban development, and witha high level of endemic species relying onspecialised and isolated habitats such asmountain tops. Raised cloud levels may affectmoisture levels required by some frogs, skinksand soil microbes.

Whist accepting that the predictions of climatechange impacts are difficult to quantify andthere may be little we can do locally aboutglobal greenhouse gas emissions, the major on-ground actions required to reduce the impactsof predicted climate change are also essentialto minimise other threatening processes.

What we need to do�Provide habitat linkages to refuge areas

within the Wet Tropics Bioregion for nativefauna species vulnerable to the impacts ofclimate change. Likely refuges include MountBartle Frere, Mount Bellenden Ker, MountCarbine Tableland, Windsor Tableland,Atherton and Evelyn Tablelands, HerbertonRange, Mt Fisher and Lamb Range.

�Prepare a joint WTMA/GBRMPA strategicresponse on the potential impacts andsocioeconomic implications of climatechange on the WH values of the two WHAs.

�Demonstrate the current and potentialeffects of climate change and investigatemechanisms to enable their early detectionin vulnerable areas such as mountain topsand upper slopes.

�Continue to identify key habitats and faunaspecies such as frogs, ringtail possums andtree kangaroos that are likely to besignificantly affected by climate change andinvestigate ways to ensure their survival.

�Continue studies on temperature dependentprocesses such as cloud formation levels andreptile incubation to detect climate changeeffects.

External fragmentation Climate change



The number of known weed species in the WetTropics region has grown rapidly over the past50 years to over 500 species and their spread isincreasing alarmingly (about 200 new weedspecies have been identified in the pastdecade). The majority of weed species havebeen intentionally introduced into the regionfor agricultural, horticultural or domesticpurposes.

Weeds are generally associated with disturbedareas of ecosystems, although some mayinvade intact ecosystems. Many are highlyinvasive and can reproduce and spread rapidlyin the absence of any natural controls. Weedsmay disrupt ecosystems, compete with andreplace native plants, reduce food and shelterfor native species, change fire regimes andcreate soil erosion. Those weeds that caninvade or transform pristine habitat areparticularly threatening to the biodiversity ofthe WHA.

Weed control is often labour intensive, costlyand requires long term managementcommitment. Eradication of extensiveinfestations is often impractical because of thetime and resources required and the possibleenvironmental impacts of control techniques.Controls include biological and chemicalagents and fire regimes. To be effective, weedcontrol programs must be followed up by therevegetation of native plant species, andsubject to ongoing monitoring.

What we need to do�Eradicate newly introduced invasive weed

species, including all Class 1 declared pestplants.

�Eradicate any new outbreaks of invasiveweeds already established elsewhere in theWet Tropics and contain existing outbreaksof Class 2 and 3 weeds.

�Increase the capacity of specialised weeddetection and response teams (eg SWEEPteam and local government weed controllers)devoted to the early detection, identification,mapping and eradication of weed outbreakswithin and around the WHA.

�Develop weed prevention and managementpolicies with nurseries, botanical gardens,aquarium suppliers, and gardening andmowing companies regarding the supply anddistribution of potentially invasive weeds.

�Include environmental weeds in localgovernment pest management planning.

�Ensure proper risk assessments areundertaken to avoid the introduction andcultivation of pasture, horticulturel andtimber species which can become invasiveenvironmental weeds.

�Research the ecology and control ofindividual weed species, focusing on newincursions.

�Train land managers, World Heritageneighbours, contractors and tourismoperators to identify Class 1 weeds and newinvaders.

The impacts of exotic or feral animals on thevalues of the Wet Tropics may includepredation on native species, competition forfood and habitat, degradation of habitat, soilerosion, disease and weed transmission, andchanges in fire regimes. Feral animals can alsobe pests for primary producers and neighboursand a cooperative approach to management isrequired for any controls to be effective.

Many feral animals such as pigs and cane toadsare widespread and have already establishedhigh population numbers within the WHA.There are also a number of feral animals whichhave the potential to spread throughout theWet Tropics. Deer, foxes and rabbits especiallythreaten open forest systems. Fish, such as theguppy, tilapia and gambusia have hugepotential to dominate aquatic systems.Invertebrate species such as the crazy ant, fireant, European bee, fruit fly, palm leaf beetleand spiralling white fly have also beenrecognised as a potential threat to WH values.Preventing the establishment of these new feralanimal species is highly important for bothconservation and land management in andaround the World Heritage Area.

Cattle grazing and feral cattle are considered athreat to World Heritage values. The stocking oflarge, predatory native fish in upland streamswhere they do not naturally occur is also ofconcern.

What we need to do�Monitor outbreaks of feral deer and goats

and support localised, integrated eradicationprograms across all tenures.

�Monitor, record and report the occurrence offoxes and rabbits within the WHA andsurrounds and support integrated controlprograms.

�Develop and implement integrated feral pigcontrol programs involving targeted baitingprograms (based on research into new baittechnology), trapping and, whereappropriate, shooting.

�Eradicate feral cattle populations from theWHA where possible.

�Implement the Wet Tropics grazing policy tophase out cattle grazing within the WHA asleases expire unless there is a demonstratedbenefit for World Heritage management.

�Restrict stocking and translocation of nativefish within the WHA to those establishedrecreational fisheries and particular specieswhere stocking has already been undertaken.

�Prevent further introductions of feral fishthrough aquarium suppliers and domesticaquariums.

�Seek a full pest status assessment for deerunder the Land Protection (Pests and StockRoute Management) Act 2002.

�Research improved baits and associatedtechnology for use in feral pig control.

�Investigate impacts and control ofintroduced fish and crustaceans in aquaticecosystems.

By their very nature, pathogens and theirmeans of acting and spreading are generallydifficult to detect and research. Little is knownabout introduced pathogens which may affectthe WHA. Like insect pests, there is potentialfor diseases which affect agricultural andhorticultural crops to spread to rainforestspecies, especially related fruit trees such asnative banana trees.

Phytophthora, often referred to as a root-rotfungus, is a soil-borne organism causing forestdieback. Where it is highly virulent,phytophthora will kill all plant species rooted inthe soil. The precise triggers for phytophthorato cause virulent dieback patches remainunclear. Phytophthora is mainly spread by themovement of soil and water. It is suspected thatthe initial construction of a road or walkingtrack may be a prime cause of virulentoutbreaks. However, vehicles, bushwalkers andpigs may still transport infected soil from oneplace to another and cause new outbreaks.Mixing of pathogen genomes may also be atrigger for virulence. It is believed that theimpacts of phytophthora are also exacerbatedby other stresses on forest vegetation such asdrought or past logging activities. It isimportant to note that dieback patches are notalways due to phytophthora. They maybe alsobe caused by lightning strikes, drought, insectinfestation and other diseases.

Frog chytrid fungus is known to occur inupland and lowland frogs in the Wet Tropics.This pathogen is capable of causing a highincidence of sickness and death in frogpopulations, and may kill frogs within 10-18days. Spores of the chytrid fungus aretransported via water. Infection of amphibianswith chytrid fungus has been listed as a keythreatening process under the EPBC Act and aNational Threat Abatement Plan is beingdeveloped. A Recovery Plan has beendeveloped for stream dwelling rainforest frogs.Several species of upland frogs are consideredendangered or extinct.

What we need to do�Quarantine specific sites of virulent

outbreaks of phytophthora as aprecautionary measure.

�Concentrate management efforts to controlphytophthora spread in high mountainenvironments, and the Koombooloomba andMount Lewis Areas

�Monitor cycles of infection for existingphytophthora patches and the extent towhich they recover.

�Identify triggers for virulent outbreaks ofphytophthora.

�Confirm current phythophthora researchfindings in other areas of the WHA to enableimproved predictive modelling.

�Implement the Recovery Plan for streamdwelling rainforest frogs within the WetTropics region, including hygeine andquarantine measures.

�Research the causes of dieback of rose gumsalong the western margins of the WHA.

Weeds PathogensExotic & feral animals



While fire is an ecological process which occursnaturally, traditional Aboriginal firemanagement maintained and promoted avariety of non-rainforest ecosystems andprotected some fire sensitive vegetationcommunities from hotter bushfires. Therelative abundance of many animal species ispartly determined by their adaptation to thesefire regimes. Rapid changes to historical firepatterns have taken place since Europeansettlement, with the decline of active Aboriginalburning and changes in land use. The impactsof altered fire regimes are especially apparentin the wet and dry sclerophyll forests. It isevident that large areas of sclerophyll forests onthe western and coastal WHA margins havebeen steadily invaded by rainforest species overthe past 50 to 100 years. While the existingcanopy may still consist of dominant eucalyptspecies, the groundcover has often beenirrevocably altered.

Altered fire regimes are interrelated with avariety of environmental threats. It is predictedthat the effects of climate change will increasethe frequency of extreme events such asdroughts and associated hot fires. Weeds suchas guinea or molasses grasses can change theseasonality and intensity of fire when theydominate the ground cover. Altered fire regimescan affect water quality by promoting erosionthrough loss of ground cover before the rains.Grazing animals such as cattle lower theamount and distribution of fuel throughout thelandscape, potentially reducing the incidence,intensity and extent of fires. Fire is used as ameans of weed control in some areas and isoften used to manipulate pastures to stimulatenew growth available to animals.

What we need to do�Trial and implement optimal fire regimes to

maintain sclerophyll communities - home torare and threatened species such as thenorthern bettong, mahogany glider, yellow-bellied glider, greater glider and variousorchid species.

�Develop and implement QPWS firemanagement plans for all protected areas,Forest Reserves, Timber Reserves andUnallocated State Lands within the WHA.

�Incorporate neighbouring landholders,Aboriginal Traditional Owners and rural firebrigades in the development andimplementation of QPWS fire managementplans.

�Research the effectiveness of using RegionalEcosystems and the Stanton vegetationmapping as a framework for establishing andmonitoring appropriate fire regimes.

�Educate the community about theimportance of appropriate fire regimes tomaintain habitat and the potential forunwanted fire to damage fauna and flora.

Altered water quality, flow regimes anddrainage patterns can affect the functioningand viability of aquatic ecosystems andassociated marine and terrestrial ecosystems.The needs of natural ecosystems must competewith demands for increased domestic,agricultural, industrial and recreational watersupplies. Increased demand for water leads tocalls for additional impoundments, extractionfacilities and other infrastructure.

Agricultural and urban expansion may alsolower water flows and through ripariandegradation, soil erosion, the clearing ofextensive tracts of native vegetation, irrigation,drainage, effluent discharge, weed invasionsand increased chemicals and nutrients.Lowland wetlands and their surrounding dunesand catchments have suffered enormousimpacts from levees and drains which alterwater table levels and flow regimes. In someareas along the coast this has allowed theinvasion of saltwater into freshwater systems,killing off large areas of vegetation.Groundwater extraction from the Tablelands'basalt aquifer is also of concern as it is thoughtto be vital for recharging many higher orderstream tributaries which originate in the WHA.Potential acid sulphate soils underlie manyflood prone coastal ecosystems and may beexposed by lowered groundwater levels or soildisturbance. Invasive weeds such ashymenachne have the capacity to dramaticallyalter aquatic systems and affect water qualityand flows.

What we need to do�Improve the integrity of the following

important wetlands and waterways byencouraging maintenance and rehabilitationof habitat for conservation purposes:

• Lower Daintree River and wetlands.• Alexandra Bay wetlands.• Melaleuca swamp along Bailey Creek Road.• Melaleuca swamps and bulkuru sedge

communities from Daintree River to Wonga Beach.

• Molloy Lagoon and Julatten wetlands.• Peterson Creek.• Hasties Swamp.• Sedge swamps and fan and feather palm

forests on the Yarrabah Peninsula.• Frenchman’s Creek.• Russell River NP and Wyvuri Swamp

wetland complex (including feather palm forests).

• Ella Bay NP melaleuca swamps and feather palm forests.

• Eubenangee Swamp.• Ninds Creek wetlands and Bulguru. Swamp

next to Moresby Range.• Liverpool Creek.• Lowland swamp areas from Kurrimine

Beach to Garners Beach.• Hull River wetlands.• Murray River and associated wetlands.• North Meunga wet woodlands around Lily Ck,• Melaleuca and cabbagfe palm swamps

along the Hinchinbrook Passage.• Neames Inlet nypa palm swamp.• Cabbage palms along Gentle Annie Creek.• Melaleuca swamps behind Forrest Beach.

�Use existing legislative controls to ensureadequate flow regimes are maintained forriver systems associated with the WHA.

�Research and develop designs that allowimproved movement of aquatic speciesacross barriers such as culverts.

�Research flow regimes (includinggroundwater systems) required to sustainaquatic ecosystems and vertebrate fauna.

�Research biological indicators for waterquality, modelling of nutrient, sediment andagrochemical transport and deposition inwaterways, wetlands and marine areas.

Altered water quality, flow regimes & drainage patternsAltered fire regimes


Cooperative conservation management

It is generally acknowledged that availablefunding is insufficient to maintain theconservation values of the WHA and surroundsat desirable levels. Long term fundingcommitments are required to ensure effectiveconservation. Available funding is too often tiedto particular projects and provided overrelatively short periods. This can mean that thebenefits of projects such as weed or feral animalcontrol can be quickly undone through aninability to follow through on initial work. Landmanagement agencies have increasingdemands on their limited resources. Out ofnecessity, visitor management and safety oftenpredominate in operational resource allocation.Limited staffing resources may mean thatmonitoring and enforcement of environmentallegislation and regulations have to beprioritised. A loss of corporate knowledge,especially local expertise acquired over time,can also result if resource allocation restricts thenumbers and continuity of on-ground staff.

Land managers need to demonstrate the longterm economic benefits of maintaining healthyecosystems and preventing cumulativedeterioration of our natural capital.Governments have yet to incorporate anymeaningful values for their natural assets andthe costs of degradation into their accountingsystems. There has been a false assumptionthat, once protected, the natural values andecosystem services of the area willautomatically be maintained. Resources tomanage natuiral asets and mitigate threatsshould be viewed as an investment to maintainan economic asset rather than merely as a cost.

Funding for conservation of WH values needs tobe prioritised across tenures on both public andprivate lands. The sharing of resources withother agencies for joint projects is an importantway to achieve maximum benefits. Thecooperation of the community and privatelandowners is of the utmost importance in wiseuse of resources.

What we need to do�Document the level of public funding and

sharing of resources necessary to conserveWH values and to meet the primary goal ofWH management.

�Introduce ‘triple bottom line’ accountingsystems and market based instruments toincorporate the valuation of natural assets inland management by state agencies, localgovernment and local businesses.

�Promote the use of accounting systems whichdocument the level of funding allocated toconservation activities and research.

�Seek funding support and sponsorship forconservation from the private sector andphilanthropic organisations.

�Investigate options for a direct contributionfrom visitors to the WHA which will directlyassist conservation and visitor management.

�Develop and maintain community capacityand willingness to engage in conservationworks.

The vast majority of the WHA is managed bygovernment agencies. WTMA has the principalrole in setting policy and coordinatingmanagement across the WHA. QPWS managesalmost 80% of the Area – National Parks, ForestReserves and Timber Reserves. UnallocatedState Land (7% of the Area) is managed byNRM&E, as are numerous leases within theWHA. In addition to these land managers, thereare also a number of state agencies and localgovernments which manage serviceinfrastructure such as roads, powerlines, watersupplies and telecommunications. WTMA relieson cooperative partnerships with thesenumerous on-ground managers to effectivelyconserve WH values.

What we need to do�Ensure that WHA policy guides on-ground

management strategies for fire management,rare and threatened species and pestmanagement.

�Ensure appropriate referral of developmentwhich may affect WH values under IPAplanning schemes and the EPBC Act.

�Integrate management of pest plants andanimals, ensuring cooperation betweenagencies charged with prevention, detectionand on-ground eradication.

�Develop agreements regarding activities suchas fish stocking, cultivation of invasivepasture species and plantation forestry wherecurrent practices conflict with WHconservation.

�Promote improved, integrated managementof the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier ReefWHAs and the responses to activitiesthreatening both Areas.

�Simplify permit and development assessmentprocesses for private landholders whocurrently have to deal with a multitude oflegislative and regulatory requirements.

�Develop information packages advising onactivities likely to trigger assessment underdifferent levels of legislative control.

Aboriginal Traditional Owners have Native Titlerights to live on and manage their traditionallands. They are increasingly asserting their wishto exert these rights and ensure management oftheir land in accordance with their traditionalpractices. At least 80% of the WHA is potentiallyclaimable under Native Title and 32% is alreadyunder claim. Aboriginal participation in allaspects of land management can result inmutually beneficial sharing of knowledge andhelp resolve any potential conflicts betweenAboriginal cultural management of country andscientific conservation management.

Aboriginal people and government landmanagers are currently negotiating a RegionalAgreement to achieve proper participation andrecognition for Aboriginal people in the WHA. Itwill include recognition of cultural values;regional representation through an AboriginalRainforest Council; and guidelines andprotocols for Aboriginal participation in allaspects of land management.

What we need to do�Support the establishment of the Aboriginal

Rainforest Council to broadly represent all26-28 Aboriginal language groups in theWHA.

�Implement the proposed Regional Agreementto achieve improved Aboriginal participationin WHA management.

�Incorporate Aboriginal participation andtraditional knowledge in fire management,pest control and rehabilitation programs.

�Finalise a variety of land managementagreements under negotiation withAboriginal groups such as Kuku Yalanji,Djabugay, Jumbun Community and BurunguAboriginal Corporation.

�Seek additional resources for Aboriginalcommunity rangers to manage and monitorcountry, including permanent employmentopportunities.

�Provide administrative support for Aboriginalgroups to obtain conservation funding andbuild community capacity for conservationactivities.

�Provide accredited training for Aboriginalpeople to enable improved participation andemployment opportunities in conservationmanagement.

Resources for conservation Aboriginal interestsAustralian, State & localgovernments


Cooperative conservation management

The Wet Tropics community plays anenormously important role in conservationmanagement. They contribute local knowledgeand expertise, and provide labour andenthusiasm. Many WHA landholders andneighbours manage their lands for conservationpurposes. Landcare groups and volunteergroups have undertaken numerous revegetationschemes to create wildlife corridors and protectriverine environments. Conservation groupspromote community conservation activities.Trainees and workers for the dole oftenparticipate in landcare schemes throughConservation Volunteers Australia and otherprograms to learn skills in conservationmanagement.

The WHA includes about 200 freehold blocks orparts thereof (2% of the Area) and over 100leases (10% of the Area, mainly due to somelarge grazing leases). Many WHA landholdersmake a significant contribution to WHAmanagement. The assistance of landholdersand neighbours is vital for the retention andrehabilitation of habitat and wildlife corridors,fire management, weed and feral animalcontrol, and care of water quality and flows – allof which can also benefit landholders.

Neighbouring land is managed for a multitudeof purposes including conservation, timberproduction, grazing, sugar cane and otheragriculture, beekeeping, tourism and privateresidences. There are more than 2,500individual blocks of land neighbouring theArea’s 3,000 kilometre boundary and manymore in the catchment areas. The Area’s largestneighbour is the Great Barrier Reef WHA.

What we need to do�Provide practical assistance and expert advice

for landholders and neighbours to helpconserve and rehabilitate biodiversitycontributing to the WHA’s integrity.

�Use existing landowner networks such asLand for Wildlife to provide support for WorldHeritage management of private lands insideand outside the Area for issues such as weedcontrol and fire management.

�Promote and reward landholder practicesthat lead to enhancement of WHA values,including recognition and publicity.

Community education is an important meansof promoting conservation activities andenhancing community awareness and positiveattitudes to the WHA. There has been a focus onworking with schools in the region on localprojects and developing education kits onissues such as cassowary and mahogany gliderconservation. Information is available throughmagazines, newsletters and specialisedinformation such as Tropical Topics or researchfact sheets. Visitor centres, displays at publicevents and talks to schools also providevaluable links to inform the public aboutconservation issues and how the communitycan assist in conservation management.Seminars, posters, booklets and brochures,television advertisements and websites are allused effectively for public education.

What we need to do�Develop education kits, posters and fact

sheets for school groups, landholders and thecommunity to emphasise how thecommunity can play a significant role inWHA conservation and promote the valuesand benefits of the WHA.

�Develop and promote the Wet Tropics websiteand appropriate links as a primary source ofeducational material for the public about theWHA.

�Create a centre for public education aboutthe Wet Tropics WHA, including resourcelibrary, seminars and talks throughout theWet Tropics community.

�Develop a nationally accredited WorldHeritage studies unit for use in schools.

�Use the tourism industry and visitorinformation as a means to promotecommunity education about conservationand visitor management.

Research is needed help us better understandhow ecosystems and species behave andinteract. It can identify threatening processesand help find biological and technologicalsolutions for them. Research is also requiredinto how the WHA and surrounds function inthe life of the community. Rainforest CRC,CSIRO and James Cook University are theprimary research organisations for the WetTropics Bioregion. Government agencies suchas QPWS, NRM&E, WTMA and DMR may helpfund or conduct research programs individuallyor within the Rainforest CRC.

What we need to do�Develop the Australian Tropical Forest

Institute (ATFI) in Cairns as an internationalcentre of excellence in research andmanagement for sustainable use of tropicalforests.

�Develop ATFI as a centre for data storage anda repository of knowledge.

�Incorporate Aboriginal participation andknowledge into research and monitoring ofthe WHA.

�Promote research collaboration betweenresearch organisations, government agencies,Aboriginal groups and private industrygroups.

�Produce easily understood researchsummaries and fact sheets includingmanagement implications for land managersand the community.

Community education Research & informationLandholders, neighbours &community conservation

Copies of the Conservation Strategy are available at the WTMA office or at www.wettropics.gov.au

For more information please write to: Conservation Strategy WTMA PO Box 2050, Cairns QLD 4870 or Telephone: (07) 4052 0555 • Facsimile: (07) 4031 1364 • Email: [email protected]

More information

Monitoring ecosystem health

WTMA is obliged to provide a State of the Wet Tropics report to Federaland State Parliaments each year. The report aims to assess the overallhealth of the WHA at a landscape scale rather than through monitoringof individual sites. The State of the Wet Tropics report is also attemptingto monitor the role of the Area in the life of the community. This mayinclude its role in ecosystem services, tourism, recreation andenvironmental processes.

The Conservation Strategy will also inform the Wet Tropics NaturalResource Management Plan. The NRM Plan is required to definemanagement action targets (1-5 years), resource condition targets (20years) and aspirational targets (over 50 years) which will be used tomonitor and assess the implementation of the plan.

QPWS is currently developing integrity statements for protected areaswhich define the particular values to be conserved. EPA are undertakingBiodiversity Planning Assessments. These will be used as basis for futuremanagement planning and monitoring.

What we need to do�Continue to develop and refine reliable, easily assessable and cost

effective indicators for State of the Wet Tropics reporting.

�Investigate the capacity of remote sensing technology to enable costeffective 'State of the Wet Tropics' reporting and to provide a basis formonitoring changes and trends over time.

�Use community attitudes surveys to develop indicators for the role ofthe Wet Tropics in the life of the community.

Implementing the strategy

The implementation of this Conservation Strategy will be largelydependent on the availability of funding and resources to undertakeconservation activities and research. It will also be dependent oncooperative management throughout all levels of government and thecommunity.

An important part of this strategy’s implementation will be theincorporation of its priorities and actions within the Wet Tropics NaturalResource Management Plan (NRM Plan). The majority of on-groundfunding for conservation activities will be NHT funding, distributedthrough the Wet Tropics NRM Body and guided by the NRM Plan. TheNRM Body will also play a role in developing partnerships, incentivesand education for NRM goals. It is expected to manage an initial budgetof some $2 million per year, primarily provided through NHT.

What we need to do�Develop an internal Conservation Strategy action schedule to guide

and monitor implementation of the strategy and review the scheduleannually.

�Use this Conservation Strategy as a ‘code’ to inform the NRM Plan, itsinvestment strategy and implementation.

�Use this Conservation Strategy to guide priorities for QPWSconservation, fire, weed and feral animal planning.

�Gain recognition of conservation priorities in local governmentprocesses such as IPA planning schemes and pest management plans.

�Integrate research priorities into the research programs of RainforestCRC and other CRCs, JCU, CSIRO TFRC, QPWS and ATFI.


Monitoring and implementation

CRC Co-operative Research Centre

CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and IndustrialResearch Organisation

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EPBC Environment Protection andBiodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

ILUA Indigenous Land Use Agreement

IPA Integrated Planning Act 1997

JCU James Cook University

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

NCA Nature Conservation Act 1992

NRM&E Department of Natural Resources,Mines & Energy

QPWS The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

The Plan Wet Tropics Management Plan 1998

USL Unallocated State Land

VMA Vegetation Management Act 1999

WTMA The Wet Tropics Management Authority

WHA World Heritage Area (the Area)

TFRC Tropical Forest Research Centre

Some abbreviations

wet tropics conservation strategy

Documents