By Narelle Crichton | Chief Operations Officer
Cassowary Corridor Project UpdateDonor Report – 2025/2026 Financial Year Protecting One of Australia's Most Important Wildlife Corridors
The Rainforest Conservation Foundation (RCF) is pleased to provide this update on our ongoing work within the Cassowary Corridor, one of the most significant rainforest wildlife corridors in Far North Queensland.
The Cassowary Corridor provides critical habitat and movement pathways for the endangered Southern Cassowary, while also supporting countless other rainforest species and helping maintain the ecological integrity of the Wet Tropics region.
Throughout the 2025/2026 financial year, RCF invested $104,290 into the management and protection of properties within the Cassowary Corridor. These funds supported essential conservation activities including:
These investments ensure that previously protected rainforest properties continue to deliver conservation outcomes well into the future.
Cyclone Jasper Recovery and Habitat Restoration
The Cassowary Corridor was significantly impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the associated flooding events that occurred between 13 and 28 December 2023.
Through the 2023–24 Environmental Recovery Package: Local Conservation and Clean-up Program, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the Rainforest Conservation Foundation received $100,000 to support environmental recovery efforts.
We are pleased to report that this funding has now been fully delivered, with a total of 5,000 native rainforest trees planted across restoration sites within the Cassowary Corridor. The final plantings were completed in March 2026.
These plantings are helping to:
Additional Flood Recovery Plantings
Queensland experienced record-breaking flood conditions during the 2024–2025 severe weather season, including the North and Far North Tropical Low event between 29 January and 28 February 2025.
As part of the recovery response, the Queensland and Australian Governments activated additional support through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) 2018 – Category D.
Through this funding, the Rainforest Conservation Foundation completed a further 1,200 native tree plantings in May 2026, expanding restoration efforts within the Cassowary Corridor and accelerating recovery of flood-affected habitats.
Looking Ahead
The successful establishment of 6,200 native trees over the past two years represents a significant investment in the future of the Cassowary Corridor. As these trees mature, they will provide critical food sources, shelter, and movement pathways for cassowaries and many other rainforest species.
While tree planting is an important milestone, long-term conservation success depends on ongoing stewardship. Maintenance activities, weed management, monitoring, and habitat protection remain essential to ensuring the survival and growth of these restoration sites.
The continued support of our donors makes this work possible. Your commitment helps protect irreplaceable rainforest ecosystems, safeguard biodiversity, and secure a future for the Southern Cassowary and the many species that depend on connected rainforest habitats.
Thank You
On behalf of the Rainforest Conservation Foundation Board, staff, volunteers, and the wildlife that benefits from this work, thank you for your continued support.
Together, we are restoring rainforest habitats, reconnecting landscapes, and creating a stronger future for the Cassowary Corridor.
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By Narelle Crichton | Chief Operations Officer
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