The acquisition will protect Australia's northernmost koala refuge alongside critical habitat for at least 12 threatened species such as cassowaries and tree-kangaroos. The tract borders the existing Yourka Reserve and was previously shielded from a 500-hectare windfarm clearing proposal rejected by the federal environment minister. Bush Heritage has collected over $19 million in private funding, including significant backing from an anonymous donor and Patagonia's foundation. The organization is now raising a final $5.3 million by December 24 to cover the total acquisition and initial five-year land management costs.
Key points
Securing the cattle station creates a continuous 429,000-hectare conservation corridor ex…: Securing the cattle station creates a continuous 429,000-hectare conservation corridor extending toward Cape York.
The reserve serves as a vital northern sanctuary for threatened species including tree-ka…: The reserve serves as a vital northern sanctuary for threatened species including tree-kangaroos, cassowaries, and northern greater gliders.
Bush Heritage must raise an additional $5.3 million by December 24 to complete the $24.7…: Bush Heritage must raise an additional $5.3 million by December 24 to complete the $24.7 million target for purchase and management.
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A majestic tract of land in far north Queensland that links wet tropics world heritage rainforest and contains headwaters that flow to the Great Barrier Reef could be bought and protected by Christmas, after a conservation group raised more than $19m in private donations to buy the cattle station.
Wooroora spans more than 20,000 hectares of largely intact wet sclerophyll forest and savanna woodland on the lands of the Jirrbal people about 100km south-west of Cairns – and borders Bush Heritage’s existing 43,575-hectare Yourka Reserve in one of the most biodiverse regions in Australia.
Cassowary and tree-kangaroos are among at least 12 threatened species and more than 30 species of conservation significance that have already been recorded on Wooroora, which is also the northernmost refuge for koalas and, according to the would-be owners, is almost certainly home to species yet unknown to science.
In 2024 a plan to clear more than 500ha of Wooroora station for a 42-turbine windfarm was rejected because of what then environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, described as the unacceptable impact on the environment, including the spectacled…
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