Much of Byron's coastline is eroding rapidly, with houses threatened at Belongil Beach and South Golden Beach.

Following the erection of ad-hoc, unauthorised rock walls to protect a number of houses on the Belongil spit during the 1980's, Byron Council engaged consultants to undertake a massive study on the best option for future management of the coast.

The consultants recommended a preposterous solution to hold the seas back forever, spending $20M of unsourced public money on dredging sand off the headland and onto Belongil Beach.

The BEC believes the only long-term sustainable solution is the "planned retreat" option. Under the policy already adopted by Council in 1988, the owners of any houses built on threatened parts of the coast must be prepared to retreat and remove their houses as the coast moves westward.

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Daintree corridor saved for wildlife

The rescue of a corridor of rare lowland rainforest had green groups smiling.
Julie Olsen reports.

It's something we humans take for granted - the simple act of getting from A to B. But imagine what its like for a tree kangaroo living in the ever-shrinking rainforests of tropical north Queensland.First and foremost, you need trees, otherwise things can get pretty terrifying, even life-threatening. Imagine being forced to hop through people's backyards, across busy roads and over open paddocks only to be chased down and mauled by the local dog.Sadly, many animals inhabiting privately owned blocks of Daintree lowland rainforest risk an untimely death. This vital rainforest has already been carved up and the 'for sale' signs are up.

But there is a place where native animals, like the rare Bennett's Tree Kangaroo are still able to move around in relative safety, using a protected corridor of surviving rainforest.Eager to act before it is too late, Rainforest Rescue and the Daintree Rainforest Foundation have joined forces and have been steadily buying priority blocks of intact rainforest currently up for sale.It's part of a pro-active Daintree buy back scheme that is capturing the hearts and imaginations of rainforest lovers around Australia and beyond.

Recently, they announced the purchase of the sixth block of rainforest, strategically located between two World Heritage listed National Parks. Still clad in fully functional rainforest, these blocks are part of a larger rural residential subdivision.

"Up until now, these six blocks were on the real estate market, at risk of being cleared for housing and invaded by weeds," says Allen Sheather, a director of the Daintree Rainforest Foundation.

"Now we have an uninterrupted flora and fauna corridor between two major protected areas - the Heights of Alexandra in the south and the Bailey's Creek wetlands to the north."

"It's a life-line for cassowaries, tree kangaroos and other threatened wildlife - thank goodness it is now safe and will be protected forever."

All up, it's taken four years to raise enough funds to acquire the vital backbone of the corridor.

If this link were lost, experts say the plant and animals inhabiting this part of the Daintree would be split into two isolated populations. This split would place their genetic integrity under sever threat.

"The declining Cassowary population is especially worrying," says Allen. "These birds are solitary animals with defined territories. Without the corridor, they would not be able to go in search of food or a mate. They, and many other animals, need the protection of the forest to move around.

Like many other concerned locals, when he first arrived, Allen's understanding and appreciation of the Daintree's delicate ecology was very limited.

"Back in the eighties, I didn't realise what an amazing legacy had been left to us from millions of years of plant and animal evolution," he recalls.

“These forests contained examples of all the major evolutionary stages of plant development - a feature that few other places can boast.”

Here thrived viable populations of animals that had long since disappeared from other coastal lowland areas to the south. Nature lovers hoped their geographic isolation would help to keep them safe.

Sadly, given the current rapid development of places like Mission Beach, future generations of tourists and residents will no longer have the chance to marvel at viable forests and wildlife in these areas.

"But it's not too late for the Daintree – we have a window of opportunity to save something before it disappears."

"The corridor has now received official status in Queensland as a Nature Refuge," he adds excitedly.

Protected forever, the rescued corridor is now being managed for its conservation values and it seems a lot of the planning has already been done. Enthusiastic local naturalists will control the weeds and every effort will be made to educate the community in their prevention.

To minimise any impacts, the construction of boardwalks, car parks and toilets will not be permitted. In fact, the only activity allowed will be the ethical collection of seeds to help strategically revegetate nearby degraded areas.

"The generosity and concern of Rainforest Rescue members and the wider community proves that Australians really do care what happens to the Daintree," says Rainforest Rescue Executive Offcer, Kelvin Davies.

"These people come from all walks of life. What we all share is the vision of keeping the Daintree Coast a viable natural ecosystem."

According to this inspiring team of rainforest rescuers, the newly declared Baralba Corridor Nature Refuge is just the beginning.

"It's now vital that we ‘add flesh’ to the backbone by widening the corridor," says Kelvin. "The rainforest is already there, we just need to purchase more blocks."

Every $20 buys 10 sq metres of rainforest so please make a donation or purchase a Daintree Gift Cards. Gift Cards indicate how many square metres of Daintree rainforest you have purchased for your loved one.

To find out about Rainforest Rescue's Daintree Buy Back and Protect Forever Campaign phone 6629 1395, email info@rainforestrescue.org.au or visit www.rainforestrescue.org.au and click on Rainforest Buy Back. All donations are tax deductible.

Gift cards are also available from Bay Blooms in Byron Street Byron Bay. Byron Environment Centre- above Santos, Mullumbimby call 6684 2272

Rainforest Rescue is a not for profit organisation established by local rainforest conservationists committed to saving our rainforests for current and future generations.

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