Biodiversity is the foundation of a healthy and thriving environment, supporting ecosystems that provide clean air, water, food, and climate regulation. In Cape York Peninsula, one of Australia’s most biodiverse regions, protecting native species and habitats is essential for maintaining this natural balance and preserving the cultural and economic wellbeing of local communities.
At Cape York NRM, we are committed to safeguarding biodiversity through projects that focus on habitat restoration, invasive species management, and sustainable land practices. These initiatives not only protect vulnerable ecosystems but also empower Traditional Owners and communities to care for Country, ensuring a resilient future for generations to come.
Biodiversity
The WCTTAA is supported by Cape York NRM through funding from the Australian and Queensland Government’s Nest to Ocean Turtle Protection Program, the Marine Turtle Climate Change Resilience and Nest Protection Program and the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative.
Key activities
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Predator control, particularly managing feral pig populations, to reduce turtle nest predation.
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Monitoring and data collection on turtle nesting and predation rates.
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Collaborative regional management across six Indigenous Ranger groups.
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Protection of nesting habitats for multiple marine turtle species, including flatback, olive ridley, hawksbill, and green turtles.
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Community engagement and knowledge-sharing to strengthen conservation efforts.
Key achievements
In November 2024, the WCTTAA was awarded the inaugural First Nations Award for Excellence in Biosecurity as part of the 2024 Australian Biosecurity Awards. The award, introduced in 2024, recognises Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individuals, groups and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution beyond their normal responsibilities to Australian biosecurity and exceptional commitment to improving the protection of Country and people from pests, weeds and diseases.
Overview
The WCTTAA is a partnership of six western Cape York Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger groups from Apudthama Land Trust/Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council, Mapoon, Pormpuraaw, Aak Puul Ngantam Cape York and Kowanyama, supported by Cape York NRM. These groups work collaboratively to protect marine turtles and their nesting habitats from predation and other threats. The alliance focuses on managing coastal threats and improving the survival rates of threatened and endangered marine turtle populations along approximately 800km of western Cape York beaches. Since 2014, the WCTTAA has been supported by the Queensland Government’s Nest to Oceans Turtle Protection Program, funding Indigenous Ranger groups on western Cape York to undertake predator control and monitoring of turtle nest predation.
Project outcomes
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Reduced predation of marine turtle nests, improving hatchling survival rates.
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Strengthened Indigenous-led conservation and land management practices.
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Enhanced regional collaboration for marine turtle protection.
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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.
Project outcomes
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Enhanced habitat condition: Improved condition of Spectacled Flying-fox roosting sites and foraging habitats through targeted on-ground actions.
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Improved knowledge and awareness:
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By June 2028, 60% of landholders managing priority Spectacled Flying-fox habitats will demonstrate increased understanding of the species and implement actions to benefit its conservation.
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By June 2026, 30% of landholders will have taken initial steps to improve habitat conditions based on project guidance.
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Increased First Nations involvement: By June 2026, 20% of recovery actions will include genuine involvement of First Nations people in surveys, monitoring, and habitat management.
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Stabilised or improved population trajectory: Collaborative efforts will contribute to stabilising or improving the population trajectory of the Spectacled Flying-fox across its range.
Key activities
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Partner with the Spectacled Flying-fox Recovery Team, Terrain NRM, land managers, Traditional Owners, scientists, and government agencies.
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Confirm roost locations of Spectacled Flying-fox in Cape York.
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Develop and implement recovery actions that include active involvement of First Nations people in survey, monitoring, and management activities.
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Deliver community and stakeholder engagement activities to raise scientific and cultural awareness of the Spectacled Flying-fox.
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Provide support and resources to landholders for implementing on-ground actions that benefit Spectacled Flying-fox habitat.
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Conduct habitat condition assessments of roosting and foraging sites.
Sightings can be submitted via the following link:
Overview
The Spectacled Flying-fox (Pteropus conspicillatus) is one of the 110 priority threatened species identified by the Threatened Species Commissioner's office. This project focuses on supporting the recovery of the vulnerable Spectacled Flying-fox by fostering partnerships among land managers, Traditional Owners, scientists, and government. The initiative aims to increase scientific knowledge, enhance cultural awareness, and improve the condition of roosting and foraging habitats in Cape York. By delivering targeted conservation actions and promoting collaboration, the project seeks to stabilise or improve the population trajectory of the Spectacled Flying-fox across its range in Cape York. As part of our campaign to raise awareness, we encourage you to document any sightings of Spectacled Flying-foxes on the Cape.
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This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and the Saving Native Species Program, delivered by Cape York NRM, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
Project outcomes
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Improved nesting and foraging habitat conditions:
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By managing and implementing appropriate fire regimes, control of invasive animals (including pigs, horses, and unmanaged cattle), and management of invasive weeds (such as gamba grass).
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By June 2028, the condition of Golden-shouldered Parrot nesting and foraging habitat in priority areas will have improved by 10% compared to 2024 habitat quality baselines.
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Increased understanding, knowledge and action by landholders:
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By June 2028, 60% of properties containing known Golden-shouldered Parrot habitat will demonstrate an increased understanding of the species and will have used this knowledge to plan and implement actions to benefit the species.
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Key activities
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Implementing appropriate fire regimes to maintain and restore critical habitat.
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Controlling invasive fauna such as pigs, horses, cats and unmanaged cattle, which pose threats to the parrot’s nesting sites.
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Managing invasive flora like gamba grass which can outcompete native vegetation and alter habitat conditions.
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Training and knowledge-sharing activities that will enhance local and cultural awareness, empowering communities to actively contribute to the parrot’s conservation.
Overview
The Golden-shouldered Parrot (Psephotus chrysopterygius), known locally as the Antbed Parrot, is a culturally significant and iconic species that is a vital part of Cape York’s unique biodiversity which has disappeared from more than half of its range since the 1920s. It is one of the 110 priority threatened species identified by the Threatened Species Commissioner's office. This new project is aimed at increasing scientific knowledge and local and cultural awareness of the Golden-shouldered Parrot in the Cape York region. Through partnerships with local landholders, traditional owners and other key stakeholders, the Cape York NRM team is working to gain a better understanding of the parrot's distribution and population dynamics through a collaborative approach. Developing effective conservation strategies and building community support to ensure the survival and recovery of the Golden-shouldered Parrot is essential to this project.
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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.
Project outcomes
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Improved habitat condition: By June 2026, the condition of identified priority LRCVT areas will have improved by 10% compared to the baseline data collected in June 2024.
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Threat mitigation: Effective fire regimes, access restrictions, and invasive species control measures are implemented, reducing key threats to LRCVT.
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Increased stakeholder knowledge: By June 2026, 80% of landholders managing priority LRCVT sites demonstrate increased understanding of LRCVT and actively use this knowledge to enhance habitat conditions.
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Enhanced conservation planning: Comprehensive data on LRCVT distribution, condition, and priority areas informs future conservation investments and actions.
Key activities
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Conduct surveys and mapping to determine LRCVT distribution and baseline habitat condition.
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Implement control measures for invasive species, including feral pigs, unmanaged cattle, and invasive weeds.
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Establish and implement fire management practices that align with the ecological needs of LRCVT.
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Restrict and manage vehicle access to sensitive LRCVT areas.
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Engage and collaborate with landholders to improve their understanding of LRCVT and support them in planning and implementing conservation actions.
Overview
This project aims to enhance the condition of the Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets (LRCVT) of eastern Australia in Cape York (Littoral Rainforest). The focus is on implementing on-ground actions to address key threats identified in the Recovery Plan for this Threatened Ecological Community (TEC). These actions include feral animal and weed control, improved fire management practices, and access management. Additionally, site identification and habitat condition assessments are being conducted to establish LRCVT distribution, baseline condition and investment priorities, and monitor condition changes over time.
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This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and Saving Native Species program delivered by Cape York NRM, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
Major threats
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Habitat loss and degradation.
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Invasive species – some of the biggest threats to the region include feral cats, pigs and invasive weeds.
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Climate change – severe weather events like cyclones and heat events happening more often and changing habitat conditions without refuge or connected suitable habitat.
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Altered fire regimes, such as more frequent or hotter fires.
Key activities
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Habitat assessments and restoration.
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Managing invasive species, including feral cats, feral pigs and weeds.
Project outcomes
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Land management practices have improved.
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First Nations Peoples are leading in recovery activities.
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Improving habitat – the quality of breeding and foraging habitat is improved.
Overview
The eastern forests of Far North Queensland are one of the 20 priority places identified in the Threatened Species Action Plan.
This project aims to enhance the condition of priority areas within the eastern forests of Far North Queensland, focusing on identified sites within the threatened ecological communities, including littoral rainforest, coastal vine thickets and lowland tropical rainforest.
Improvements to these priority areas, as well as habitat suitability and knowledge of nesting and roosting sites for threatened species such as the Golden-shouldered Parrot, Spectacled Flying-fox, and Northern Quoll, will be achieved through targeted management actions. These include implementing appropriate fire regimes, controlling invasive species such as pigs, horses, and unmanaged cattle, and managing weeds such as gamba grass, rubber vine, and olive hymenachne.
Habitat assessments will measure changes in native plant diversity, community composition, and vegetation structure within these ecological communities, while fauna surveys will provide insights into the presence and distribution of threatened species in priority areas.
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Cape York Peninsula is home to a diverse range of coastal and marine ecosystems, including the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef, extensive wetlands, and unspoiled coastlines. The eastern coastline borders the reef, featuring vibrant coral ecosystems that support marine life such as sea turtles, dugongs, and countless fish species. Inland, the peninsula’s wetlands and floodplains, including those in the Archer, Mitchell, and Jardine River catchments, provide critical habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. The coastline is lined with pristine beaches, mangroves, and estuaries, playing a vital role in coastal protection, fisheries, and biodiversity conservation.
Reefs, wetlands, and coasts
The Reef Trust Landscape Repair Program is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.
Project outcomes
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Reduction of fine sediment runoff to the Great Barrier Reef by 4,077 tonnes.
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Improved water quality and catchment ecosystem health in Eastern Cape York.
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Achieve reductions through targeted gully remediation and grazing land management.
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Strengthen regional collaboration and capacity for sustainable land management.
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Strengthened partnerships with Traditional Owners and local landholders.
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Creation of local jobs, training, and contract opportunities.
Key activities
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Gully remediation by addressing erosion to reduce fine sediment runoff.
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Improved grazing land management by enhancing groundcover to stabilise soil and reduce sediment movement.
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Capacity building through supporting Traditional Owners, landholders, and community partners with skills and resources for sustainable land management.
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Monitoring and follow-up maintenance to ensure long-term success and measurable improvements in water quality.
Overview
Running from 2024 to 2030, the Landscape Repair Project is focused on reducing sediment loss to the Great Barrier Reef from eastern Cape York catchments. By restoring eroding gully systems and enhancing groundcover through improved grazing land management, the project aims to deliver landscape-scale improvements in priority catchments. Delivered in partnership with South Cape York Catchments and Cape York Water Partnerships, the project integrates capacity building, Traditional Owner engagement, and ongoing site monitoring to ensure effective and sustainable sediment reduction strategies. This project builds on Cape York’s ongoing efforts to protect the Reef by addressing sediment run-off.
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Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.
Project outcomes
Local landholders and key stakeholders have a clear understanding and knowledge of the P2R program that evaluates the following:
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Management practice adoption and effectiveness
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Catchment conditions
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Catchment pollutant run-off delivery
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Marine conditions
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Stewardship
Further information is available on the Queensland Government website:
Key activities
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Communicate and disseminate new knowledge and results from the P2R program with local landholders and key stakeholders.
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Providing P2R program monitoring and evaluation tools to local landholders and key stakeholders.
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Continued guidance and support to local landholders to improve land management practices and reef water quality.
Overview
The Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program (P2R) provides the framework for evaluating and reporting progress towards Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan (Reef 2050 WQIP) targets through the Reef water quality report card. Launched in 2009, the program unites more than 20 industry bodies, government agencies, natural resource management bodies, landholders and research organisations – working together to measure and report on water quality factors that impact Reef health.
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The Eastern Cape York Coastal Wetland Restoration Program is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.
Project outcomes
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Improved health and resilience of high-value coastal wetlands and ecosystems.
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Reduced impacts of invasive species on wetlands and Great Barrier Reef catchments.
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Strengthened capacity of Indigenous ranger programs and community land managers.
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Enhanced regional collaboration for sustainable land and sea management.
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A contemporary framework for future wetland restoration projects in Cape York.
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Social and cultural benefits through co-designed and community-led initiatives.
Key activities
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Aerial and ground control of feral pigs and unmanaged cattle.
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Targeted weed management using aerial and on-ground spraying.
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Installation of animal exclusion fencing where appropriate.
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Surveys and monitoring programs to track improvements in wetland health.
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Strong collaboration with Indigenous rangers and community land management groups.
Overview
Launched in 2024, the Eastern Cape York Coastal Wetland Restoration project is a 3-year initiative focused on improving the health and resilience of coastal habitats within Great Barrier Reef catchments. The project restores wetlands in the Hann, Normanby, and Jeannie catchment areas by addressing major threats such as feral pigs, unmanaged cattle, and invasive weeds such as olive hymenachne.
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Cape York Peninsula faces ongoing challenges in fire and pest management, requiring strategic approaches to protect its ecosystems and communities. Traditional fire management practices, including controlled burns led by Indigenous land managers, help reduce the risk of destructive wildfires while promoting healthy landscapes. These burns maintain biodiversity, regenerate vegetation, and prevent the spread of intense late-season fires. Pest management is also critical, with invasive species such as feral pigs and weeds threatening native wildlife and habitats. Collaborative efforts between Traditional Owners, landholders, and conservation groups will focus on monitoring, control programs, and land restoration to minimise these impacts and preserve Cape York’s unique environment.
Fire and pest management
Carbon farming initiatives:
Programs such as savanna-burning carbon projects allow landholders and Indigenous communities to generate income through reduced greenhouse gas emissions. These projects are certified and monitored under the Australian Government's Emissions Reduction Fund.
Collaboration and capacity building:
Partnerships between local ranger groups, Traditional Owners, NRM organisations like Cape York NRM, and government agencies ensure fire management is effective and inclusive. Training programs and workshops further build capacity within the community.
Useful links:
Conservation goals
Effective fire management protects critical habitats such as:
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Littoral rainforests and vine thickets, which are sensitive to fire.
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Grasslands and woodlands that depend on specific fire regimes to sustain their biodiversity.
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Endangered species' habitats, ensuring their survival amidst changing fire patterns.
Overview
Fire management on Cape York Peninsula is a critical aspect of land stewardship, blending traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices to maintain the health of the landscape. The key elements of fire management in Cape York are:
Cultural burning practices:
Traditional Owners play a pivotal role in fire management through cultural burning. These low-intensity fires are guided by Indigenous knowledge, aiming to reduce wildfire risks, promote biodiversity, and support the regeneration of native vegetation.
Savanna fire management:
Large-scale fire management strategies, often carried out collaboratively between Traditional Owners, ranger groups, and natural resource management organisations, help reduce late-season wildfires. Controlled burns during cooler months create firebreaks, reducing fuel loads and protecting vulnerable ecosystems.
Climate adaptation:
Fire management is also a tool for building resilience against the impacts of climate change, including altered fire regimes and extreme weather events.-
This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by Cape York NRM as a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners Panel.
Project outcomes
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Reduced Gamba Grass coverage in priority areas, protecting Cape York’s key biodiversity assets.
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Increased community and landholder awareness of Gamba Grass threats and management techniques.
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Strengthening of regional management strategies through improved data and knowledge-sharing.
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Enhanced capacity for land managers to implement sustainable control measures, reducing fire risks and supporting ecosystem health.
Key activities
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Targeted control will implement control measures in priority areas to reduce coverage and protect biodiversity assets.
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Community education to raise awareness among landholders and communities about the risks of Gamba Grass and promote effective management practices.
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Knowledge consolidation will analyse and synthesise existing data to strengthen the regional Gamba Grass management strategy.
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Support for land managers equips land managers with strategies and tools to implement effective Gamba Grass management on their properties.
Overview
Gamba Grass (Andropogon gayanus) is one of Cape York’s most invasive threats, rapidly outcompeting native vegetation with its dense tussocks and fueling late-season fires with extremely high fuel loads. This poses a significant risk to Cape York’s biodiversity, human safety, and property. This one-year project focuses on reducing Gamba Grass coverage at key biodiversity sites in Cape York by implementing targeted control measures, raising awareness, and improving regional management strategies.
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Funded by the Queensland Government as part of the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative.
Project outcomes
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A measurable decrease in the feral pig population in priority areas across Cape York Peninsula.
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Improved condition of impacted habitats, leading to better outcomes for native species and ecosystems.
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Enhanced skills and knowledge among local landholders, Traditional Owners, and stakeholders, enabling sustained feral pig management.
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Stronger partnerships and ongoing cooperation between landholders, Traditional Owners, rangers, and government agencies.
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Ongoing monitoring of feral pig populations and the effectiveness of management actions, ensuring adaptive management for long-term success.
Key activities
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Improve coordination and support of feral pig control efforts across Cape York Peninsula, in collaboration with landholders, Traditional Owners, and local communities.
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Develop and implement a regional feral pig management plan that includes population monitoring and best practice control methods.
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Conduct community engagement and education campaigns to raise awareness of feral pig impacts and best practice management.
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Facilitate capacity-building workshops and training for landholders, rangers, and stakeholders on effective feral pig control techniques.
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Monitor and report on the success of feral pig control activities and adjust management strategies as needed.
Overview
The Queensland Feral Pest Initiative Feral Pig Coordinator project in Cape York Peninsula aims to further coordinate the management of feral pigs to reduce their impact on the environment, agriculture, and native species across the region. This initiative focuses on coordinating efforts between landholders, Traditional Owners, and relevant stakeholders to implement effective control strategies. Through collaboration, education, and strategic action, the project will reduce feral pig populations, restore impacted habitats, and protect biodiversity in Cape York Peninsula.
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Sustainable agriculture and drought resilience are key to maintaining both productivity and environmental health. Landholders and communities can apply regenerative practices to support farming while protecting natural resources. Effective water management helps preserve quality and availability, ensuring resilience in dry conditions. By enhancing soil health, restoring vegetation, and adopting adaptive techniques, these efforts promote long-term sustainability, balancing economic needs with ecosystem conservation.
Sustainable agriculture and drought resilience
Overview
This program will drive agricultural sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness. It supports the following outcomes:
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The agriculture sector is adopting practices to reduce emissions and build resilience to climate change.
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The agriculture sector is supported to harness carbon and biodiversity incentives and implement industry sustainability frameworks.
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Farmers are supported to drive agricultural growth while adopting sustainable natural resource management practices that protect and conserve natural capital and biodiversity.
Further information is available on the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website:
Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
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Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
Meet our SAF
Jayme Burkett is Cape York’s Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (SAF), a key regional contact helping to strengthen sustainable land management across the Peninsula. Supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program, the SAF role is all about connection, collaboration, and climate resilience.
Jayme works closely with farmers, graziers, landholders, Traditional Owners, and community groups to share knowledge, foster partnerships, and support projects that promote sustainable, climate-smart agriculture. Whether it’s improving soil health, managing water more efficiently, or integrating regenerative practices, Jayme helps link local land managers to the latest research, tools, and funding opportunities.
The SAF program aims to build capacity and empower agriculture industries to respond to a changing climate while enhancing productivity and environmental outcomes. As a trusted point of contact in Cape York, Jayme plays a critical role in connecting people, sharing solutions, and supporting practical action on the ground.
With a strong commitment to the land and the people who care for it, Jayme brings a collaborative approach to sustainable agriculture that reflects the unique needs and strengths of the Cape York region.
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This program receives funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Drought Resilience Coordinator
Cape York NRM hosts a Drought Resilience Coordinator (DRC) to help deliver and support activities across Cape York, focusing on agricultural innovation, capacity building, supporting Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander Enterprises and the National Soils Strategy.
Further information is available on the TNQ Drought Hub website.
Overview
The Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (TNQ Drought Hub) is led by James Cook University and based out of the JCU Ideas Lab in Cairns. Working in a ‘hub and spoke’ model, the TNQ Hub is partnered closely with six natural resource management (NRM) groups across Tropical North Queensland (TNQ) to deliver drought resilience activities across the region.
Funded by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund under the Drought Resilience Research and Adoption Program, the TNQ Hub is one of eight Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs across Australia established to support land managers and communities prepare for drought.
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You can support our work
Cape York Natural Resource Management Ltd is working with communities, Traditional Owners, farmers, and local organisations to care for Country and support a sustainable future for the Cape York region. From improving soil and water health to supporting climate-smart agriculture and protecting biodiversity, every project makes a difference – right here on The Cape. You can help us continue this important work.
Make a one-off donation or set up a monthly gift – every contribution counts. Some of our supporters choose to give $20, $50 or $100, but you’re welcome to give whatever feels right for you.
We also gratefully welcome bequests. Please contact us to discuss your wishes in confidence.
Together, we can create a more resilient and thriving Cape York – now and for future generations.
Cape York NRM is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), and we have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, which means all donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
Make a donation
Support natural resource management across the Cape. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
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