FOUR MORE SALES PROTECT PRICELESS DAINTREE RAINFOREST

The State Government has acquired four more parcels of Daintree rainforest this week under the award-winning Daintree Buyback scheme, Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said.

Ms Nelson-Carr said 125 Douglas Shire properties totalling 176ha had been purchased for conservation since the buyback commenced in 2004.

“Under the Beattie Government’s latest funding round of $10 million, 14 additional blocks of land have been purchased and more valuations and contracts are being finalised.

“Already, more than half of the Daintree properties that have lost their development rights have been bought back.

“These figures speak volumes about the success of the Daintree Buyback scheme to preserve this last area of lowland rainforest on the east coast.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the achievements were recognised last week in Brisbane at the Planning Institute of Australia Awards.

“The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Douglas Shire Council, Planning Far North, the 20/20 Group, and the Wet Tropics Management Authority won the overall Award for Excellence, and the Environmental Planning and Conservation Award.”

Under the buyback scheme people can choose to sell their land, or keep it and obtain compensation for losing their development rights.

Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti 3336 8002