Sighting highlights project impact to federal funders
- Cape York NRM
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
Cape York NRM recently hosted representatives from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for a tour of key conservation projects across the region.
CEO Pip Schroor and Biodiversity Program Manager David Preece led the visit of Regional Delivery Partner (RDP) project sites in Cooktown, Artemis Station, and Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL).
The group saw firsthand the impact of on-ground projects to tackle invasive gamba and hymenachne grasses, restore littoral rainforests, and protect threatened species like the Spectacled flying-fox.
At Artemis Station, the group observed work to support the recovery of the endangered Golden-shouldered Parrot.
“It is estimated that there are only between 700 and 1,100 of these rare birds remaining in the wild,” said David. “They nest in termite mounds and face serious threats from predators and habitat loss from vegetation changes and altered fire regimes.”
“We were privileged to see several adult parrots and even a fledgling in its mound nest on the tour—a hopeful sight that underscores the importance of our conservation efforts.”
Known locally as the Antbed Parrot, the Golden-shouldered Parrot is a culturally significant species and has disappeared from more than half of its range since the 1920s. It is listed as one of 110 priority threatened species identified by the Threatened Species Commissioner's Office.
Working with Conservation Partners and Cape York landholders at Artemis and Alice River Stations, the RDP-funded project aims to ensure the parrot’s survival through improved fire regimes, control of invasive pests and plants, and training programs that empower local communities to contribute to conservation work.
To learn more about our Regional Delivery Partner projects, visit: https://www.capeyorknrm.com.au/what-we-do
These projects are funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by Cape York NRM, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
