Christmas cheer comes early with another record funding allocation of over $75,000 from the locally founded and operated North Queensland Wildlife Trust.
The North Queensland Wildlife Trust (NQWT) was established in 2004 by the Freeman family who own and operate Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda. The Trust is focussed very much on grass roots conservation efforts, hands on wildlife care, critical habitat acquisition, conservation, research and preservation. At the Freeman attractions, there are easy mechanisms for visitors to make an active contribution to the conservation of native species and local habitats with funds accumulating weekly. The recipients are:
Gondwana Rainforest Trust – Funding $3,000.00 to support the acquisition of Lot 92 Cape Tribulation Road (RP738993). Located at Cow Bay in Far North Queensland. The Trust is securing this 8.9-hectare property due to its exceptional value to nature conservation. Strategically located at Cow Bay it adjoins the Daintree National Park and World Heritage Area.
Far North Queensland Wildlife Rescue – Funding $4,085.00 for critical medical equipment and for the purchase of urgently needed incubators and additional funds to assist with the carers buying wildlife food as $50.00 for animals eating insects, mice, crickets etc.
Kuranda Enviorcare – Funding $4,995.20 For interpretive signage and to support the Kuranda Tree Frog’s Monitoring program as well as to create habitat for this very endemic frog. Signage is hoped to engage the public and will hopefully bring volunteers to support the program.The Agile Project Wildlife Rescue – Funding $3,000.00 – Turf for Maintenance of Pre-release and rehabilitation sites as per below. This funding will help purchase replacement turf for rejuvenation of release sites and allow greater involvement by the community by providing labour for the turfing and maintenance process. Bats and Tree Society of Cairns (BatSoc) Inc. – Funding $10,000 – Annual support for the Kuranda creche and release facility in time for pupping season. The Creche facility provides housing for sick, injured or orphaned bats prior to their release back to the wild. The particular focus of this funding is the Spectacled Flying Fox which is an endangered and keystone species of the Wet Tropics.
And last but not least, Rainforest Rescue – Funding $50,000 – to support the acquisition of 110 Cape Tribulation Road to be converted from a disused sugar cane farm back to a viable rainforest habitat. The North Queensland Wildlife Trust has committed the first funding to provide the initial large acquisition contribution to assist Rainforest Rescue in raising the $425,000 required to protect this part-regenerated property. Once restored which it ultimately be the subject of an application for Nature Refuge covenant to ensure it is protected in perpetuity. More exciting announcements coming soon regarding the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital.
Media contact. Angela Freeman co-founder of the North Queensland Wildlife Trust, , 0409591037
