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surrounding areas, with five support staff at the NSW headquarters. It is a HEALING THE EARTH, HEALING LIVES
group of devoted full-time professionals and enthusiastic volunteers deeply In recent years, Rainforest Rescue has become a beacon for rainforest
committed to the revitalisation of the rainforest through comprehensive conservation, forming dynamic alliances with local organisations like Great
initiatives such as planting, meticulous maintenance, and impactful restoration Barrier Reef Legacy, Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, Mossman
programs.
Botanic Garden, James Cook University and Queensland Trust for Nature.
TREES ARE THE ANSWER
With the recent launch of the largest Native Rainforest Nursery in the Daintree “Branden emphasises the unexpected gift of
and Wet Tropics, Rainforest Rescue focuses on revitalising rainforest areas and participating in this work together and the way the
restoring habitat for endemic plant and animal species.
Previously able to produce 12,000 plants a year, the organisation recently traditional owners describe this: “It’s healing the
achieved a significant milestone with the establishment of a new nursery at the land, and healing land heals people”.
Cow Bay airstrip - now able to boast an annual capacity of 150,000 trees. This
is equivalent to reforesting 30 hectares, or almost 70 acres, each year through
Rainforest Rescue’s ‘Plant a Rainforest’ projects in the Daintree lowland and
their restoration partnerships. A Wet Tropics Restoration Alliance, in partnership with the Wet Tropics
The nursery plays a pivotal role in significant restoration endeavours, Management Authority (WTMA) and Terrain NRM - a community-based
environmental management organisation - is a major step forward for regional
supplying trees to regional conservation partners. Ongoing projects include projects to operate at a greater scale.
the transformation of an old cane field into thriving rainforest at Nightwings
Rainforest Centre in Wonga Beach and the restoration of cattle pastures in the Branden emphasises that these partnerships extend beyond mere support.
Upper Daintree, part of the Daintree River watershed which channels water to “With Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation our partnership involves active
the Great Barrier Reef. A former oil palm plantation at Cape Tribulation Road, participation that supports Indigenous self-determination and reconciliation,
renamed by traditional owners “Kurranji Bubu”, or Cassowary Land, is now a cultural learning, and capacity-building through training, advisory and
Nature Refuge which ensures enduring protection and is a living example of financial support. Our ability to gift our original nursery, which was previously
the power of their brand of restoration. owned by the pioneering Daintree Cassowary Care Group, to Jabalbina was a
real bonus – for everyone.”
Maintaining a nursery is crucial, as rainforest seeds cannot be stored like those
in a seed bank due to their high moisture content. Instead, they use a living Working closely with Jabalbina has fostered a unique bond where everyone
seed bank, growing seedlings on demand and drawing from their significant is genuinely excited to be working together for the greater good. Branden
portfolio of rescued and now protected rainforest properties. emphasises the unexpected gift of participating in this work together and the
For those eager to be part of the growth, Rainforest Rescue hosts regular way the traditional owners describe this: “It’s healing the land, and healing land
heals people”.
community tree planting days, offering volunteers a hands-on experience in
these crucial initiatives. CEO Branden Barber emphasises that if you find A significant partnership with Mossman Botanic Garden, a 21st-century
yourself vacationing in the area or live here, it’s a fantastic opportunity to botanic garden focused on nature-positive, tropical rainforest conservation that
contribute directly to the stunning rainforest and to our common future. has been in progress for the past 15 years, recently achieved a milestone with
“The beauty of the restoration economy and our rainforest nursery lies in the planting of 4000 rainforest trees from the new nursery with Rainforest
Rescue, marking the organisation’s highest daily tree-planting achievement.
offering individuals and organisations meaningful, accessible experiences, The initiative not only contributed to the ongoing development of Mossman
the potential for regional employment or even the chance to enhance private Botanic Garden but also established it as an evolving hub for research, cultural
property in ecologically and financially rewarding ways. Our conservation learning, rainforest awareness and tourism.
efforts yield positive outcomes for everyone involved. And everyone can get
involved … everyone is welcome,” Branden said.

96 Port Douglas Magazine & Travel Planner
Tree Planting day with Rainforest Rescue
PHOTO CREDIT Martin Stringer