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.

The future of Cape York Peninsula's extraordinary natural resources is in the spotlight as Cape York NRM begins developing a Regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) Plan to guide the next decade of environmental stewardship across the region. Fruit Bat Falls - Cape York Peninsula The planning process will establish priorities and strategies to protect the region's natural assets, communities, and livelihoods through to 2036. A community-wide survey launched this week seeks diverse perspectives on protecting Cape York Peninsula's people, culture, land and water, and unique biodiversity across the iconic 137,000 km2 region. "This isn't Cape York NRM's plan - it belongs to the entire Cape York Peninsula community," says Cape York NRM CEO Pip Schroor. "The plan's strength depends on capturing the full spectrum of views from Indigenous communities, local residents, farmers, graziers, Traditional Owners, scientists, tourism operators, and everyone who lives, works in and loves Cape York." The plan will guide State and Federal Government investment in building regional resilience and maintaining the health of Cape York Peninsula's lands, waters, soils, habitats, and biodiversity. Cape York NRM staff will conduct face-to-face meetings and online consultations across the region over the coming months, complementing the online survey to ensure broad community participation. "We're committed to hearing from everyone," Ms Schroor said.  "Whether you're managing Country, running a business, or simply care about Cape York's future, your voice matters in shaping this critical document." The Cape York Peninsula Regional NRM Plan community survey is available at https://www.capeyorknrm.com.au/nrm-plan . All responses are strictly confidential and for Cape York NRM internal use only.  This work is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by Cape York NRM, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel For media enquiries, please contact Steve Titman on 0475 265 063 or email steve.titman@capeyorknrm.com.au .

The 2025 Grazing Forum, hosted by Cape York NRM and held in Laura on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 May, brought together graziers, land managers, Traditional Owners, stakeholders and industry experts from across the region. The packed two-day program featured expert presentations, engaging discussions, and a practical demonstration. Cape York NRM Grazing Forum 2025 Kicking off Tuesday lunchtime with a warm welcome from MC Marilyn Morris — Cape York NRM Director and Deputy Mayor of Cook Shire — and a Welcome to Country from John Ross, the afternoon continued with updates from Cape York NRM, Gulf Savannah NRM, AgForce and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships, followed by expert presentations on savanna fire management, disaster resilience, AgTech innovation, and environmental markets — with the carbon and natural capital accounting session sparking particularly lively conversation. The AgTech session highlighted current and emerging tools available to graziers, with details provided on TekFarm  grants available until 30 June 2025. A drone demonstration by Airborne Ag gave a practical glimpse of how technology can be applied in real-time grazing operations. Tuesday night’s dinner, catered by the Laura Rodeo and Campdraft Association and featuring live music from Cooktown-born Ella Hartwig, was a highlight, offering the chance to unwind and enjoy good company and great entertainment under the stars. Set against the peaceful backdrop of the Laura Rodeo Grounds, complete with birdsong, shady trees, and the occasional wandering cow, the forum offered a unique and relaxed bush setting. Many attendees camped onsite, enjoying a fresh morning start and a shared breakfast at 7 am before day two began. Wednesday’s program kicked off at 8.30 am with an insightful presentation on cattle genetics by the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), followed by a well-received session on phosphorus supplementation from the Department of Primary Industries. After a morning smoko accompanied by coffee, cake and plenty of great conversation, the final session featured an informative presentation on the Paddock to Reef program, followed by an update of the National Feral Pig Action plan.  The forum was praised by stakeholders and government representatives as a valuable networking opportunity, with meaningful conversations, reconnections, and strong engagement across the two days. It was a welcome reminder of the power of face-to-face connection in building knowledge and community. This event was supported by the TNQ Drought Hub through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. Well done to all involved, it was a great success and here’s to the next one!

Efforts to support fine sediment reduction and improve the quality of water flowing from Cape York to the Great Barrier Reef have received a funding boost from the Australian Government’s Reef Trust. As one of six organisations to share in the $200 million in funding, Cape York Natural Resource Management (Cape York NRM) will deliver the Cape York Regional Landscape Repair project across Eastern Cape York with partner organisations South Cape York Catchments and Cape York Water Partnership through to 2030. The project will focus on gully remediation and grazing land management to reduce fine sediment runoff to the Reef. Cape York NRM Landscapes Program Manager Jorg Edsen said the new funds were an exciting opportunity to build on the ongoing work to protect the Reef. “It is exciting that we can continue some of the projects and other work that has started in Cape York to prevent fine sediments flowing into the Reef and wreak havoc there,” he said. “We now have a good-size project to continue working with Traditional Owners, landholders and our partners to actually repair the landscape. “There are lots of land management challenges in the Cape that need our input, repair or remediation, so we are chipping away at all of these.” South Cape York Catchments Program Manager Jessie Price-Decle said the new project and partnership was a great opportunity. ‘’We're excited about this new investment and the benefits it will bring to reef water quality and catchment ecosystems,” she said. “The Landscape Repair Program is a fantastic opportunity for us to apply all we've learnt about delivering community-driven gully projects while providing local jobs, training, and contracts.” Cape York Water Partnership Program Director Dr Christina Howley said it was a great investment. “Sediment run-off from wildfires, road and track erosion, grazing impacts and gully erosion has significantly increased sediment loads to Cape York rivers and coastal waters,” she said. “We are happy to see the Australian Government continuing to invest in this important work in our region.” Cape York NRM CEO Pip Schroor said it was a significant project which had great value for Cape York. “This marks the largest investment Cape York NRM has ever received,” she said. “We are very proud to be able to support this important work.” The Reef Trust Landscape Repair Program is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.

Cape York NRM is set to spearhead several vital initiatives aiming to protect key species and ecosystems thanks to a new round of more than $215 million in Australian government funding. The projects – part of the government’s ongoing commitment to protect Australia’s rich biodiversity – covered more than 115 initiatives targeted at species conservation and habitat restoration nationwide. Senator for Queensland Nita Green said this funding will support Cape York NRM to continue what they do best – protecting species and restoring their habitat. “I’m very pleased these projects will benefit some of the key endangered species in Far North northern Queensland like the Spectacled Flying-Fox and the beautiful Golden-Shouldered Parrot,” she said. “Restoring nesting and foraging habitat and controlling invasive species like pigs and gamba grass are how we put our precious threatened species on a path to recovery.” Cape York NRM CEO Pip Schroor said the organisation was honoured to play their part. “Cape York NRM is honoured to be a part of these transformative projects, which will not only safeguard some of our most vulnerable species but also enhance the ecosystems that are the lifeblood of our region,” she said. “By collaborating with Traditional Owners, land managers, and scientists, we are combining the strength of traditional knowledge with modern conservation techniques to protect the Spectacled Flying Fox, the Golden-Shouldered Parrot, and vital rainforest habitats. “This funding allows us to continue our commitment to sustainable land management and biodiversity protection, ensuring a healthy future for Cape York's unique environment.” The initiatives form part of a broader national effort to target invasive pests, weeds, diseases, and other threats to Australia’s biodiversity such as the Eastern Forests of Far North Queensland (FNQ), identified in the Threatened Species Action Plan 2022–2032. The funding also supported more than 60 projects across Australia, including pest, weed, and fire management, improved habitat restoration and better water management in Ramsar wetlands. The work will be guided by the expertise of First Nations people, natural resource managers, scientists, conservation organisations, and community groups. The Projects These projects are funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and the Saving Native Species Program, delivered by Cape York NRM, as a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners Panel: Spectacled Flying-Fox: This project, in collaboration with the Spectacled Flying-fox Recovery Team, will partner with land managers, Traditional Owners, and scientists to increase scientific knowledge and cultural awareness of the species in Cape York. It will improve roosting sites and foraging habitat through habitat assessments, supporting recovery efforts for the vulnerable Spectacled Flying-fox and contributing to stabilising or improving its population across its range. Littoral Rainforest Restoration: This project aims to improve the condition of Coastal Littoral Rainforest and Vine Thickets in Eastern Australia through on-ground actions such as feral animal and weed control, fire management, and restricting vehicle access to reduce key threats. Golden-Shouldered Parrot: This project will increase scientific knowledge and local and cultural awareness of the Golden-Shouldered Parrot in Cape York and increase the condition of Golden-Shouldered Parrot nesting and foraging habitat through the implementation of appropriate fire regimes, control of invasive animals including pigs, horses and unmanaged cattle, and control of invasive weeds including gamba grass. Saving Native Species (Priority Places) Improving the condition of Eastern Forests of FNQ: The project will improve priority areas of Eastern Forests in Far North Queensland, focusing on Littoral Rainforest, Coastal Vine Thickets, and Lowland Tropical Rainforest. It will enhance habitats for threatened species like the Golden-Shouldered Parrot, Spectacled Flying Fox, and Northern Quolls by implementing fire management, controlling invasive animals, and managing weeds. Habitat and fauna surveys will track improvements in native plant diversity and the presence of threatened species. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator Program: The Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (SAF) is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. The SAF is a designated central contact point for farmers, landholders, industry, and community groups and will aim to support sustainable agricultural practices in Cape York. The SAF role will also perform services that support regional capacity services and other sustainable agriculture-related project services. SAFs are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. With funding from both the $1.1 billion Natural Heritage Trust and the $224.5 million Saving Native Species Program, this ensures essential resources are directed toward protecting Australia’s unique biodiversity. For more information visit: Media enquiries Christine Howes – Communications Editor, Cape York NRM P: 0419 656 277 E: media@capeyorknrm.com.au

Cape York NRM and the TNQ Drought Hub’s Sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Enterprise (SATSIE) Program are joining forces with local councils and businesses to support agricultural projects and food security through a Cultivating Climate-Smart and Sustainable Agriculture project in Cape York Peninsula. A project planning meeting recently occurred to discuss the establishment of communities of practice (CoPs) at both the local community/business and regional scales. These CoPs will identify priority needs to support sustainable agriculture and food security and share learnings within and between communities, businesses, and regional capacity partners. SATSIE Program Lead, and Chair of Cape York NRM, Dr Jim Turnour said, “We know that there is a need to support the re-establishment of agriculture enterprises in remote discrete communities to achieve food security. We also know there have been farms in the past, but these have eventually failed for various reasons.” “It will be important therefore to work at the local scale to support enterprises develop but also at the regional scale with capacity partners to create a sustainable model for long term success and the CoPs are being designed to support development at these different scales.” “Cape York NRM will focus on engagement with local communities and businesses to identify projects and activities to support food security, grazing and farming enterprises. While the SATSIE team will bring together at the regional scale retail stores and supplier representatives, government and non-government investors and researchers to look at the agriculture and food system. Depending on the needs of communities and businesses, the SATSIE Program will also link local CoPs to expertise within the hub and JCU, including Regional Soil Coordinator Dhiraj Gajera.” Dhiraj is currently working with Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council providing technical support and advice to develop a community garden. Through soils testing and building the community's skills and knowledge to grow produce, the region's supermarkets will now have a local supplier.  “Working holistically on the food and agriculture system at these different scales with local communities and businesses and a broad range of partner stakeholders we hope to align investments and capacity-building to achieve long-term food security for communities in Cape York Peninsula,” Dr Turnour said. For more information, visit: https://www.capeyorknrm.com.au/what-we-do#sustainable-agriculture-and-drought-resilience The Cultivating Climate-Smart and Sustainable Agriculture in Cape York Peninsula project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and delivered by Cape York NRM, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

Engagement and consultation were the key objectives behind the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP) review workshop held in Cooktown earlier this month, led by the joint Australian and Queensland Government WQIP review team. The Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan 2017–2022 is a joint commitment of the Australian and Queensland governments that seeks to improve the quality of water flowing from Reef catchments to the Great Barrier Reef. The plan guides how government and communities including Traditional Owners, the agriculture industry, local government, natural resource management bodies and others, work together to improve water quality. The Reef 2050 WQIP review will build on successes and discuss new opportunities for how Reef catchments will be managed in the future to support a healthy Reef and better reflect the connection between the catchment, the Reef and the community. The review workshop was a success, bringing together multiple stakeholder groups and creating an opportunity that encouraged open, lively discussions and offered diverse perspectives. “We had a great turnout with a broad mix of stakeholders and landholders actively contributing to the review and updating of the WQIP,'' Cape York NRM Program Manager David Preece said. ‘’The workshop gave us valuable insights into what was working well, and areas needing improvement, and helped us identify priority actions and any existing gaps.’’ Cape York NRM would like to thank Benny Callaghan from Systems Collaborations Partners for facilitating the workshop and the WQIP review team for presenting and joining us in Cooktown. For more information on the Reef 2050 WQIP and review, visit: This workshop was presented as part of the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.

Lauren O’Bryan has joined Cape York NRM as the region’s new Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (SAF) — the primary contact for supporting sustainable land management across the Cape. In her role, Lauren will engage with farmers, graziers, landholders, Traditional Owners, and community groups, connecting them with industry leaders and experts in climate-smart, sustainable agriculture practices. Lauren grew up in Cairns and previously worked in biosecurity in Charters Towers. She says her new role puts her at the forefront of sustainable agriculture and on-farm climate resilience. “I’m looking forward to getting out bush and building connections with primary producers and Indigenous landholders. I’m here to support the sustainable use of natural resources and contribute to a resilient agriculture sector on the Cape,” she said. “Whether it’s improving soil health, integrating regenerative practices, or optimising grazing land management, I can help link local land managers to the latest research, tools, and funding opportunities.” About the SAF program The Australian Government has invested $40.7 million in a national network of Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators. The program is part of the Climate-Smart Agriculture initiative, funded through the Natural Heritage Trust. The SAF program aims to build capacity and support the Peninsula’s agricultural industries to respond to a changing climate while enhancing productivity and environmental outcomes. SAF services include: Engaging with farmers, landholders, community groups, and agriculture industries, promoting climate-smart, sustainable agriculture practices, and practices that reduce emissions and build on-farm climate resilience. Supporting the delivery of sustainable agriculture projects and activities that allow for peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing specific to Cape York. Facilitating partnerships and connections with farmers, landholders, community groups and agriculture industries to work together to achieve sustainable agriculture outcomes Get in touch For more information on the SAF program, visit https://www.capeyorknrm.com.au/what-we-do#sustainable-agriculture-and-drought-resilience To contact Lauren, email lauren.obryan@capeyorknrm.com.au or call Cape York NRM on 1300 132 262. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.

Queensland’s regional natural resource management (NRM) organisations regularly meet to share knowledge and best practice through Communities of Practice (CoPs). In August, staff from nine NRM organisations gathered in Cairns for the Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement (MERI) CoP.  The MERI CoP provides a forum for NRM practitioners to address joint issues, discuss approaches, and agree monitoring and evaluation priorities for the Queensland NRM sector. It also plays a crucial role in sharing updates on the State-wide Indicators Framework  (SWIF), which equips organisations delivering NRM projects in Queensland with consistent methods and tools to collect accurate project data. Among the presentations, Cape York NRM’s Maree Coulson demonstrated how the Photo Point Capture app is supporting our Golden-shouldered Parrot project. The app allows officers to efficiently capture geolocated photos in the field, providing vital monitoring data for this endangered species.  Key benefits include: Documenting nesting sites:  These endangered birds nest in termite mounds, and the app easily records nests and “scratchings”, capturing the multiple nesting attempts Golden-shouldered Parrots often make before success.  Managing multiple angles: Collects photos from all sides of a mound in one record. Accurate field labelling: Tags photos at capture to save time and reduce errors. Cape York NRM was the first to trial the app in the field. “The success of the new app is testament to the team behind SWIF, NRM Region Queensland’s Penny Scott and Lee Blacklock, and the MERI CoP working together to develop the tools we need to collect reliable data to support vital NRM projects across the state,” said Maree. This project is funded by the Queensland Government's Natural Resources Recovery Program.

Cape York’s Western Cape Turtle Threat Abatement Alliance (WCTTAA) has won a national biosecurity award. The inaugural ‘First Nations Award for Excellence in Biosecurity’ was accepted by Cape York NRM’s WCTTAA Coordinator Dr Manuela Fischer and Napranum Ranger Shalika Wapau when it was presented by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry at the 2024 Biosecurity Awards ceremony in Canberra in November 2024. At the Biosecurity Awards ceremony - Cape York NRM WCTTAA coordinator Dr Manuela Fischer, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins and Napranum-based Field Ranger Shalika Wapau.   The award was for the WCTTAA’s outstanding contribution to Australian biosecurity and exceptional commitment to improving the protection of Country and people from pests, weeds and diseases. The project was nominated by National Feral Pig Management Coordinator Dr Heather Channon.   “I was delighted to nominate the WCTTAA for this award and am thrilled that their significant achievements have been acknowledged in this way by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry,” she said. “Winning the inaugural Award is a wonderful recognition of the work being done by the six Indigenous Ranger groups to protect endangered and threatened marine turtle species from feral pig predation along 800 km of Western Cape York beaches.”   The primary focus of the WCTTAA program is to mitigate turtle nest predation through several initiatives, such as aerial and on-ground pig control methods and the installation of protection cages over nests. The WCTTAA’s success was indicated by the increase in hatching rates across Western Cape York through a combination of protection efforts and long-term control strategies alongside the involvement of local communities.    Dr Fischer said she was humbled and honoured to receive such a respected award on behalf of the WCTTAA.  ‘’It was a fantastic ceremony featuring so many other interesting and impactful projects and initiatives. The WCTTAA can be very proud of its achievements and I know that its success will continue,” she said.   Ms Wapau said she loved looking after her Country. “For me, it was an experience of a lifetime, coming to Canberra for this award meant a lot to me, it has shown me that hard work really does pay off.” “The best thing about being a Ranger is you get to come out on country, you get to work alongside TOs and different people from different work areas.  “You get to go out and see turtles come up and lay, hatch, jump on the chopper – even the training bits are fun, especially the four-wheel driving. “I like working with my team and I come to work every day because I love it,” she said.   The WCTTAA was established in 2013 after 100 per cent nest predation by feral pigs and other predators was recorded on some western Cape York beaches. The Alliance consists of Indigenous land and sea owners and managers from Apudthama Land Trust and the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC), Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council, Mapoon, Pormpuraaw, Aak Puul Ngantam (APN) Aurukun and Kowanyama supported by Cape York NRM. The WCTTAA is supported by Cape York NRM through funding from the Australian and Queensland Government’s Nest to Ocean Turtle Protection Program, and Nest Protection Program and the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative.

Key achievements celebrated at the Western Cape Turtle Threat Abatement Alliance's (WCTTAA) annual post-nesting season meeting included the removal of more than 4500 feral pigs and the monitoring of nearly 4000 turtle nests, which have helped keep nest predation rates below sustainable levels and increased turtle hatching success.  WCTTAA's 2025 annual meeting attendees The meeting, which was hosted by Cape York NRM in Cairns in late March, brought together 50 representatives from six ranger groups and state and federal government agencies, along with other organisations, stakeholders and contractors committed to turtle conservation and feral pest management.    Cape York NRM’s WCTTAA coordinator Dr Manuela Fischer, who spends much of her time working in the field with the ranger groups, emphasised the importance of this annual gathering.     “We hold this meeting each year after the turtle nesting season on the Western Cape ends. It’s an opportunity to report findings, discuss challenges and solutions of each ranger group individually, and plan for the next season and future opportunities as an Alliance,” Dr Fischer said.    Pormpuraaw Land & Sea Ranger Kiren Tarpencha said it was fantastic to hear feedback from each ranger group about the WCTTAA program.    ‘’We’ve heard from other groups, how they're doing and how their programs run differently or similar to ours. At the end of the day, we're all doing the same job, but there’s a bit of difference between the groups,” Kiren said.    Marietta Matasia, who made history in 2023 by becoming the first female Ranger Coordinator for Nanum Wungthim Land & Sea Rangers, said the meeting was a fantastic way for everyone to share ideas and knowledge and celebrate their successes.    “We are always happy to share our ideas and learn from each other. Listening to the other groups and their on-ground experiences helps us work together on the issues and challenges that we all face, improve the way we do things and share our success stories,’’ Marietta said.    The achievements of the WCTTAA program were recognised at the 2024 Australian Biosecurity Awards where they received the inaugural First Nations Award for Excellence in Biosecurity. This honour highlights their outstanding contribution to Australian biosecurity and their exceptional commitment to improving the protection of Country and people from pests, weeds and diseases.    “It was good to receive the award for just doing what we do and it’s built up our confidence, at that national level,” Bamaga-based Apudthama Land & Sea Ranger Christopher Lifu said.    Cape York NRM CEO Pip Schroor said Cape York NRM had supported the WCTTAA since 2013.    “We are enormously proud of the work we do with this program. The rangers’ dedication to turtle conservation and biosecurity is inspiring and we’re honoured to support their efforts,” Pip said.    Industry experts also shared their knowledge throughout the day, including Rio Tinto who presented on their well-established turtle monitoring program and announced plans to collaborate with WCTTAA. By adopting the same monitoring methods and data app, this partnership will ensure consistent data collection across all known turtle nesting beaches in the western Cape York region, providing more opportunities for ranger knowledge exchange.    The meeting concluded with discussions on the year ahead, highlighting the potential challenges, opportunities and achievements that 2025 may bring.    Mike Gregory from the Queensland Government’s Nest to Ocean Turtle Protection Program, who has been involved since the program’s inception, said it was amazing to see the meetings get bigger and better each year.    Dr Manuela Fischer said, ‘’I’m looking forward to another year working alongside the WCTTAA rangers, as we tackle challenges and continue improving our outcomes. Our strong partnerships and shared commitment to conservation are making a real difference in protecting marine turtles.''   WCTTAA is a formidable partnership of six indigenous land and sea owners and managers from the Northern Peninsula Area, Mapoon, Napranum, Pormpuraaw, Aurukun and Kowanyama, who work together for the protection of marine turtles from nest predation along the west coast of Cape York.     The WCTTAA is supported by Cape York NRM through funding from the Australian and Queensland Government’s Nest to Ocean Turtle Protection Program and the Queensland Government as part of the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative.

A search is on for endangered Spectacled Flying-foxes (Pteropus conspicillatus) on Cape York. Cape York NRM's David Preece and Maree Coulson with Jennefer Mclean (middle) at the Tolga Bat Hospital. Cape York Natural Resource Management (Cape York NRM) is calling on the Cape York community and members of the public to report any sightings as part of a project to raise awareness about the endangered species, and where it lives and feeds across the region.  Cape York NRM project officer Maree Coulson leads the project. “We need to know more about their presence on Cape York and we need the community’s help with this,” Ms Coulson said. “This project aligns with the federal recovery plan for the species. We need to build on existing knowledge of their range and presence, raise awareness in the community and also implement actions to support the overall protection of Spectacled Flying-foxes. There is limited information known about their presence on Cape York, so the information we’re looking for from the community is the time, place and number of bats seen – photographs are also great.'' “Spectacled Flying-foxes are considered a rainforest specialist among the Australian flying-foxes; they play an important role in seed dispersal and rainforest regeneration. They forage in eucalypt, melaleuca and mangrove forests.'' “Whether you’re a land manager, Traditional Owner, scientist, bird watcher or tourist, we’re asking anyone who sees a specky on the Cape to let us know.” Ms Coulson and her team met with Tolga Bat Rescue and Research director Jenny Mclean last month, as part of their engagement with local experts to support the project. The group’s hospital in Atherton has cared for more than 300 bats this wet season. “It was great to meet Jenny, who took us on a tour of the hospital,” she said. “During the wet season, the bat hospital cares mostly for Spectacled Flying-foxes impacted by ticks. Many of those are orphaned pups, so the Tolga Bat Hospital provides individual care for them. A team of live-in volunteers is vital to their success and Jenny and her team are doing a fantastic job caring for them.” Ms Mclean said they had been managing and monitoring tick paralysis and birth abnormalities in Spectacled Flying-fox camps for nearly 30 years. “Most Australian wildlife have lived with tick paralysis for a very long time and have good immunity but it seems flying-foxes have only been affected for about 40 years,” she said.  “It’s an agonising death for them [and] tick season unfortunately is also birthing season. “Tick paralysis is a rapidly progressive disease caused by a toxin in the tick’s saliva that attacks the nervous system – most cannot be treated successfully and need to be euthanised.” Ms Coulson said the visit had provided context for understanding the issues facing the species - which she had now fallen head-over-heels for. “We need people to report any sightings from along Eastern Cape York to the tip, and that will inform our conservation efforts for the species. If you see a ‘specky’, please record the details of your sighting and let us know.”   This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by Cape York NRM, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

More than 80 Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), land trusts Aboriginal Corporations and ranger groups from across Cape York were invited to workshop together at Cape York Conversations: Pathways to Partnership in Cairns. Kowanyama Land & Sea Ranger Larry Matthew, Cape York NRM CEO Pip Schroor, Apudthama Land Trust Ranger Anzac McDonnell and Senior Ranger Christopher Lifu More than 60 of those confirmed their attendance, bringing together people who own or manage land and water resources from First Nation organisations from across Cape York Peninsula, to share their aspirations and experiences in sustainable land management. Cape York Natural Resource Management (Cape York NRM) CEO Pip Schroor said the workshop was the first of its kind. “We have brought in Indigenous landholders from across the Cape to hold initial discussions on sustainable land management, this is the first gathering of its kind in the region, opening doors to new partnerships and collaboration on key initiatives,'' she said. “By fostering conversations with Indigenous landholders, this workshop will lay the foundation for future projects, drive collaboration and create meaningful pathways for sustainable land practices On Country.'' More than 60 per cent of the land in Cape York is held under Aboriginal Freehold or Native Title, meaning it is owned or managed by First Nations people – this highlights the importance of First Nations-led land management and the role of Cape York NRM in supporting Traditional Owners, landholders, and communities to sustainably manage and protect Country. Cape York NRM First Nations Engagement & Project Officer Lachlan Bassani organised the event. “We kept the agenda as open as we could to allow for wide-ranging discussions about what opportunities are out there and where our challenges lie. It was also a great opportunity to talk about funding and the possibilities for coming together on our issues,” he said. The main outcome of the meeting – the formation of a Cape York First Nations Community of Practice – was an opportunity to work together on a wide-ranging agenda from cultural heritage, governance and nation-building to food security, water rights and agriculture. “We’re excited for the possibilities,” he said. “There are as many opportunities as there are issues on Cape York, and all of us agreeing to work together on all of it is a great thing.“We can only keep moving forward from here.” Building and strengthening connections with First Nations people and organisations is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust.  This event is supported by TNQ Drought Hub through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and delivered by Cape York NRM.

Planning is underway for a shared natural resource management ‘hub’ for land trusts or corporations, First Nations PBCs, and other interested organisations in Cooktown and from across Cape York Peninsula. Cape York NRM's project officers Katelyn Greaves and Belinda Woodland at the 75 Charlotte Street site in Cooktown. Cape York Natural Resource Management (Cape York NRM) is leading the development at 75 Charlotte Street, and hopes to hear from potential partners who may want to lease office space if they share similar purposes and values. Cape York NRM's new chair, Jim Turnour said the Board had established a Cooktown Land Development subcommittee and was keen to help support projects across the Cape York Peninsula. “We are a not-for-profit organisation focused on supporting the sustainable development, management and protection of Cape York’s natural environment and cultural values,” Mr Turnour said. “We are community-based and work with Traditional Owners, producers, community groups, land carers, industry and NGOs, amongst others, to help build and strengthen networks to achieve shared land management goals.” Cape York NRM bought the land in 2022 and the subcommittee, which met on 11 March will oversee the planning for the development of an office and temporary accommodation for staff. “But we want to see if partners might be interested in being part of that, to develop a hub for natural resource management in the region,” Mr Turnour said. “Preliminary planning has been undertaken. We know, however, that we deliver projects through partners and don’t want to finalise plans until we have had an opportunity to talk to them about how any development could bring broader benefits to the region’s NRM community.” Over the next two months, Cape York NRM will be reaching out to organisations that work in environment and natural resource management to see if they are interested in co-locating and what their needs may be. ''This will help inform the design and size of the development so plans can be finalised to seek funding for construction,'' he said. Anyone interested in finding out more about the project and opportunities, or being a part of an NRM Hub, can contact Cape York NRM on 1300 132 262 or email admin@capeyorknrm.com.au .