FAQs for Daintree's Lot 463

We’ve provided answers to the most frequently asked questions for the purchase and protection of Lot 463 Black Bean Road through our Gondwana Rainforest Refuges program:

Lot 463 Black Bean Road at Cow Bay

Where is the Daintree Rainforest?

The Daintree Rainforest is a large area of tropical rainforest in Far North Queensland that extends from Mossman Gorge (80km north of Cairns) to Cape Tribulation (110km north of Cairns). It includes large areas of rainforest-clad mountains. Between the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation, the rainforest is continuous from the mountain to the sea and when many people speak of the Daintree, they are often referring to this area, which is known as the Daintree Lowland Rainforest.

Why is the Daintree important?

The Daintree Lowland Rainforest is the oldest rainforest on Earth, having existed continuously for over 120 million years. It holds exceptionally high biodiversity and conservation value and is the largest continuous area of tropical rainforest remaining in Australia. Rainforests once covered much of Australia, however, as conditions became drier the rainforest contracted to remnants along the east coast. The flora of the Daintree contains an almost complete record of the evolution of plant life on Earth, including extremely ancient flowering plant families found nowhere else. The Daintree Lowland Rainforest also provides a refuge for many unique species of fauna including the southern cassowary, Bennett’s tree-kangaroo, and musky rat-kangaroo.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature had this to say about the Daintree Lowland Rainforest. “Within the region, the Daintree River to Cape Tribulation coast has a special status. It is the last surviving, essentially intact, tropical lowland rainforest in Australia. It has one of the highest diversity of plant families anywhere in the world. Its rarity, fame and superlative beauty make it one of the foundations of the region’s economy. It is the only place in the world where two World Heritage Areas meet.” - IUCN

In November 2021, the Australian Government listed the lowland tropical rainforest of the Wet Tropics ecological community, in the Endangered Category under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The listing is effective as of Friday 26 November 2021 and includes the Wet Tropics of North Queensland, from near Ingham (just south of the Cardwell Range) in the south to north around Cape Tribulation. While now listed as endangered, the Daintree Lowland Rainforest is still not fully protected. Freehold properties in the Daintree lowland remain at risk from rural residential development.

View over the rainforest canopy at Black Bean Rainforest Refuge

Isn’t the Daintree protected as a National Park and World Heritage Area?

Two-thirds of the Daintree Lowland Rainforest was excluded from inclusion in the Daintree National Park and World Heritage Area that was declared in 1988. In 1982 a pro-development Queensland State Government rezoned leasehold and freehold in the Daintree Lowland Rainforest, enabling a developer to subdivide it into 1,136 blocks. This resulted in the building of over 50km of roads and the clearing and development of high conservation value rainforest for housing. Over the past few decades there has been both buyback of land for conservation and development for housing. Census data reveals that the number of dwellings in 2021 was 546 and the population was 684 people. The freehold land between the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation has World Heritage values and should have been protected in the Daintree National Park.

How are properties assessed for acquisition?

Properties are assessed by a trained ecologist who has tertiary qualifications in horticulture, botany, and rainforest science. Our target list of properties has been developed by an ecologist who holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Hons) specialising in Wildlife Ecology and Threatened Species Management. Each property we negotiate to purchase has been given a priority acquisition score based on regional ecosystem classification, biodiversity status, protected area connectivity, canopy coverage, corridor function, proximity to settled lots, settlement risk, the existence of encroachments and encumbrances, likelihood of being added to Queensland’s Protected Area Estate and value for money in the current market. We are also mindful of the cultural significance of the land and how it complements the broader landscape. We only purchase properties freely offered to us for sale or that are available on the open market.

The survey of Lot 463 Black Bean Road identified 215 species of native plants.

What about Lot 463 Black Bean Road?

Lot 463 Black Bean Road (RP742053) is a freehold property of 1.488 hectares (14,880 square metres). It contains an exceptional example of the Daintree Lowland Rainforest. Through the purchase of this property we can ensure its management for conservation and the protection of the very high levels of biodiversity. A survey by our ecologists confirmed the presence of threatened species including the southern cassowary, Wet Tropics double-eyed fig-parrot and spectacled flying-Fox. Other species found on the property include the musky rat-kangaroo, red-necked Crake, and noisy pitta. A survey by our botanist identified 215 species of native plants. This included 5 listed as threatened species, the China camp laurel, Gray’s walnut, Noah's walnut, climbing pandanus, and the Queensland black-stem tassel-fern.

Who is managing this project and who will own and manage the property?

This project to purchase, protect and manage Lot 463 Black Bean Road in the Daintree Lowland Rainforest is being undertaken by Gondwana Rainforest Trust (ABN 49 628 358 323). We are registered with the Australian Government (ASIC) as a Company Limited by Guarantee (a non-profit organisation) and with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC). Our Constitution details that we must use all money raised for charitable purposes. Our constitution restricts our activities to rainforest conservation activities. We ensure the land has the highest level of protection we are working with the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science.

Why are you purchasing a property with a building on it?

We don't want to keep people away, quite the opposite. Visiting the Daintree Rainforest can be an experience of the lifetime. It creates lasting memories that stay with you forever and for many it acts as an ongoing inspiration to protect endangered wildlife and restore the natural world.

“No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”
— Sir David Attenborough.

Possibly the most frequently asked question we receive is "can I visit the Daintree Rainforest and see the land being purchased and protected". Now the answer will be yes. As a small cabin already exists on the property, it will be retained as an asset for enhancing conservation of the Daintree Rainforest through creating an immersive rainforest experience and be available for supporters to have a personal experiencing with the plants and animals of the Daintree.

Through experiencing the Daintree first-hand, supporters will truly understand how special it really is. Visitors can use the property as a base for seeing the other Daintree Rainforest properties that we have purchased in the region. Of the 32 properties purchased, so far 19 are located in Cow Bay. The other 13 are located nearby at Forest Creek, Kimberley, Diwan and Cape Tribulation.

Lot 463 Black Bean Road was created through a subdivision of land in the Daintree Rainforest. It was sold in October 1986 and has had only one owner since that time. While no one has ever lived on the property, a small cabin constructed in 2001 was used as a weekend getaway for the Cairns-based owner. The existing footprint will not be expanded, and the rainforest on Lot 463 will be protected forever. To further ensure its significant conservation values have a very high level of legal protection in perpetuity, we will work with the Queensland Government to have the rainforest declared a Nature Refuge under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA).

The supporters staying in the cabin will make financial contributions (it won't be free) which will help us pay for the maintenance of the property. This will also support tourism to the Daintree, upon which the local economy depends.

The cabin will also be available to support conservation in the Daintree lowlands by providing a base for visiting scientists, interns, volunteers and contractors (bush regenerators) working on the management and restoration of the properties acquired through the program

What about neighbouring properties?

Lot 463 Black Bean Road shares a boundary with the Daintree National Park and World Heritage Area. In Black Bean Road, most of the freehold properties created through the subdivision on land in the 1980s have been purchased for conservation and add to the national park's estate. Approximately eight houses have been built in Black Bean Road. We have purchase nineteen undeveloped freehold properties in Cow Bay for conservation.

Conservation values of Lot 463 Black Bean Road

The gently sloping property subtly drains to the north with a seasonal stream bordering the properties north-eastern boundary. The catchment flows to Mclean Creek then into Bailey Creek and finally Hutchinson Creek before entering Alexandra Bay, the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef.

All vegetation on the property is considered remnant tropical rainforest. The survey by our botanist identified 215 species of native plants. Five of these plants are listed at threatened species on the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992. There are many large primitive flowering trees, and many large-fruited rainforest species that are adapted to dispersal by the southern cassowary. The Black Bean (Castanospermum australe) is present as large trees in the canopy. There are a number of archaic plants including cycads (Lepidozamia and Bowenia), tassell ferns and the flowering fungus (Balanophora fungosa).

The entirety of Lot 463 is remnant vegetation (complex mesophyll vine forest) comprised of two regional ecosystems defined by topography. The upper portions of the property contain Regional Ecosystem 7.11.1a owing to the differing in geology. The lower portions of the lot contain a rainforest on heavier poorly drained soil being Regional Ecosystem 7.3.10a. Approximately 68% of the property contains Regional Ecosystem 7.3.10a and 32% contains Regional Ecosystem 7.11.1a.

Regional Ecosystem 7.3.10a is described as Mesophyll vine forest. Moderately to poorly-drained alluvial plains, of moderate fertility. Lowlands of the very wet and wet zone. This vegetation type is listed as “Of Concern” under the Vegetation Management Act 1999.

The Queensland government specifically states that RE 7.3.10a has:

“Special Values” being: Small areas on the very wet lowlands, especially between the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation, harbour plant species which are extremely restricted and uncommon. Many areas of this ecosystem are considered refugial in nature and are local centres of endemism. Many representatives of primitive families of flowering plants are present, including the monotypic family Idiospermaceae. The ecosystem is the habitat for many threatened plant species.

Threatened species found at Lot 463 Black Bean Road

Southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsoni). With its striking blue and purple head and neck, large crest, red wattles and glossy black plumage, this colourful bird is one of the most easily recognised icons of the Daintree Lowland Rainforest. At 76 kilograms, the southern cassowary is Australia's heaviest flightless bird. They are listed as endangered by the Australian Government under the the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Queensland Government under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Lot 463 Black Bean Road has many native plants that produce fruits for cassowaries and other species of rainforest birds. A cassowary was sighted during the survey by our ecologists in August 2024.

Southern Cassowary at Cow Bay

Wet Tropics double-eyed fig-parrot (Cyclopsitta diophthalma macleayana) is a subspecies of double-eyed fig parrot. Its range extends from Cooktown to Paluma in Far North Queensland. It is listed as endangered by the Australian Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Queensland Government (Nature Conservation Act 1992).

Spectacled flying-foxes (Pteropus conspicillatus) feed on fruits and blossom, primarily in the canopy vegetation. Known threats to the spectacled flying-fox include loss of habitat, conflict with humans and/or man-made obstacles, entanglement in nets, illegal shooting, electrocution on powerlines, and entanglement in barbed wire fencing. They are listed as Vulnerable under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Five plants found at Lot 463 Black Bean Road are listed at threatened species

China Camp Laurel (Beilschmiedia castrisinensis)

This tree is listed as Near threatened under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Its large fruit is dispersed by the southern cassowary. The species was observed as a fruiting specimen and several seedlings across the site. The species is restricted to the area between the Bloomfield and Daintree River in lowland rainforest below 660m.

China camp laurel (Beilschmiedia castrisinensis).

Gray’s walnut (Endiandra grayi)

This tree is listed as vulnerable under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Its large fruit is dispersed by the southern cassowary. The species is restricted to the area between Cape Tribulation and the Daintree River at altitudes up to 40m. This tree was identified as a handful of seedlings on this block.

Gray’s Walnut (Endiandra grayi).

Noah's Walnut (Endiandra microneura)

This tree is listed as near-threatened under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Its large yellow fruit it dispersed by the southern cassowary. The species is restricted to the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation areas below 250m. A number of juvenile specimens were noted across Lot 463.

Noah's Walnut (Endiandra microneura) is a threatened species

Climbing Pandanus (Freycinetia percostata)

This climbing monocot is listed as vulnerable under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. It was observed climbing a tree on the higher sites of the Black Bean Rainforest.

Climbing Pandanus (Freycinetia percostata)

Queensland black-stem tassel-fern (Phlegmariurus ledermannii)

This prehistoric epiphyte was noted high in a canopy tree on Lot 463. It is listed as vulnerable under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Other significant plants occurring at Lot 463 Black Bean Road

Daintree Cleistanthus (Cleistanthus myrianthus)

This is a small tree only found between the Bloomfield and Daintree rivers in lowland rainforest and again overseas in Southeast Asia. It was identified as a number of specimens across the site.

Daintree Foambark (Jagera madida)

This small tree is restricted between the Bloomfield and Julatten areas. Only two small specimens were observed on the block.

Cooper Creek Haplostichanthus (Polyalthia xanthocarpa)

An understorey shrub restricted to the Mossman Gorge, Daintree - Cape Tribulation lowlands however is often locally abundant. Several specimens of this species were noted at Black Bean.

Cooper Creek haplostichanthus (Polyalthia xanthocarpa)

Daintree Pseuduvaria (Pseuduvaria froggattii)

An understorey tree in the Bloomfield/Cape Tribulation lowlands extending south the Mowbray River. One specimen was identified on the block.

Daintree Satinash (Syzygium monospermum)

The Daintree satinash is restricted to the lowland Daintree rainforests. The large fruits of this tree are borne off the leafless trunk and are favoured by the southern cassowary.

Daintree Satinash (Syzygium monospermum) occurs at the Black Bean Rainforest Refuge

What about feral animals?

There are very few, if any, feral cats in the Daintree due to the number of large pythons that prey on them. The main feral animal problem in the Daintree is pigs. The Douglas Shire Council has a trapping program that removes 600 pigs per year. With ownership of the property, we will have the opportunity to work with the Douglas Shire Council to improve control of feral pigs in the area.

What about weeds?

Tobacco weed (Elephantopus mollis) was identified on Lot 463 Black Bean Road. It is a Class 3 weed under the Biosecurity Act 2014 and must be controlled. There are also a number of environmental weeds on Lot 463 Black Bean Road such as Spanish shawl and Heliconia. Most weeds are confined to the sunny forest edges associated with roadways. With ownership of the property we will have the opportunity to remove all of the weeds and actively manage the property on an ongoing basis.

What about the risk of bushfires?

The risk of fires in this location is low, as this is one of the wettest places in Australia and rainforest vegetation is less likely to burn. The low risk is managed by removing exotic grasses and other flammable plants.

Have you been successful in buying land in the Daintree before?

Yes, in the past five years, we have purchased 32 Daintree Rainforest properties for conservation. Since 1992, non-profit organisations have purchased seventy-five properties for conservation. The Douglas Shire Council, Queensland, and Australian governments have all contributed financially to the purchase or ‘buyback’ of freehold land aimed at preventing further development and reversing the impacts of the subdivision, however, now all three levels of government say they won't make any further commitment to supporting the purchase and protection of more freehold land, even though the need for further conservation is high and the threat of development remains.

How will the land be purchased?

The property will be acquired in the same manner as other freehold properties in Australia. A contract for sale is exchanged, a deposit paid and a settlement date set. The purchaser and the seller will both have a conveyancer acting on their behalf.

As a charity, we are providing the opportunity for people to make donations to support the purchase and protection of land. We are unable to structure an opportunity for people to be joint owners, to have a share, or to have their name on the title.

How much will it cost?

We are raising $140,000 for the purchase of the refuge land. The section of the property to be protected as a refuge is 1.4 hectares (14,000 sqm in size), so the cost is $10 per sqm. This price includes the cost of the land, its protection through inclusion in a declared Nature Refuge, and the ongoing management of the rainforest to remove exotic plants and animals.

We will raise additional funds through a crowdfunding campaign to contribute to the acquisition of the cabin on the property and upgrade of the facilities. Further details will be provided soon.

We receive pro-bono support from lawyers MinterEllison of Brisbane for conveyancing, and we are exempt from Queensland Government transfer fees (stamp duty).

What happens if the target is exceeded?

All monies raised in excess of the required amount will go straight toward the purchase of an additional property. There are another 150 properties in the Daintree Rainforest that we would like to purchase for conservation.

If the fundraising target is not achieved what will happen to my donation?

All funds raised will be spent on Daintree land purchase and protection. We have been successful in purchasing land in the Daintree Lowland Rainforest for conservation 32 times in the last five years. We feel confident in reaching the fundraising target for this property.

We want to be successful, now and in the future, so we carefully choose the properties we want to purchase for conservation. We have a plan to reach the fundraising target needed to buy each property. We purchase them one at a time, we space out the acquisitions and we give consideration to the total cost and the success of past fundraising. Of course, nothing is guaranteed and if we are unable to reach the target for a specified property purchase the donated monies will be used for a future land purchase in the Daintree Rainforest, or if necessary for other conservation projects in the Daintree Rainforest, for example, planting trees. The Gondwana Rainforest Trust is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and we are required to only spend the donations we receive on the cause as specified in our constitution.

How can I make a donation to purchase and protect land in the Daintree Lowland Rainforest?

Online:

Click and follow the prompts to donate now.

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PayPal:

You can donate using your PayPal account here.

Cheque or money order:

You can donate by sending a cheque or money order made out to the Gondwana Rainforest Trust Fund to PO Box 1226, Mullumbimby NSW 2482.

Direct deposit:

If you would like to donate by direct deposit (EFT), the account details are:

Gondwana Rainforest Trust Fund Account (for tax-deductible donations)

Bank: Westpac

Account Name: Gondwana Rainforest Trust Fund

BSB: 032 573

Account No. 362515

Reference: [Your name]

If you contribute by direct deposit, please include your name as a reference as this will help us identify the source of the incoming funds. If you can also send us an email to [email protected] with the details of the amount and any preference you have for supporting a project. Please also provide your name and postal address so we can issue a receipt. EFT receipts are normally issued within 7 days of receipt of funds.

The Gondwana Rainforest Trust Fund is listed on the Register of Environmental Organisations under item 6.1.1 of subsection 30-55(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible and receipts will be issued.

Cash donations:

You can make cash deposits at any branch of the Westpac Bank or their agents. The account details are: