Cape York Peninsula - A National Icon

Cape York Peninsula is an ancient and beautiful region that has been home to a diversity of Aboriginal and Islander peoples for thousands of years. But it is also a land of contrasts. Roads that are flooded, muddy and impassable during much of the 'wet' season between December and April are dusty and bone-jarringly firm during the 'dry'. Country that is lush and green at the end of the monsoon rains can be brown and wilting in the tropical heat of November, or black and charred after one of the many bushfires that regularly sweep through the landscape. The vegetation is continually changing as you drive the network of roads that crisscross the Peninsula. Expansive tracts of woodland are replaced by savanna grasslands dotted with termite mounds for as far as the eye can see. Lush tropical rainforests, healthlands and giant river systems are all part of the Cape York experience. The Cape is a fascinating mix of colours and textures, contrast the spectacular snow-white dune fields of Shelburne Bay with the turquoise waters of Princess Charlotte Bay, and the rustic hues of a sunset over the northernmost tip of mainland Australia.

Conservation Significance

In terms of conservation significance Cape York (which is almost the same size as Victoria!) is undoubtedly one of the nation's icons. On any visit you will have the opportunity to visit some of what are Australia's largest and most diverse wetlands and explore tracts of amazing wild country. The Peninsula is home to about one-fifth of Australia's rainforests, including the country's largest remaining area of lowland rainforest conserved within Iron Range National Park. Cape York also contains 21 major river systems, most of which are free from major infrastructure such as dams or weirs and teems with fish and waterbirds.

Cultural Significance and Indigenous Issues

Cape York Peninsula has been home to Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples for millennia. Traditional cultures are still very much alive in the region. However, the impacts of past government policies and displacement of traditional landowners to other areas and mission stations has caused significant disruption to the culture and wellbeing of many of the Cape’s peoples. Like in other parts of Australia, some Aboriginal languages have disappeared and others are in danger of vanishing, taking with them priceless wisdom of traditional knowledge and culture. Despite the majority of land on Cape York being Aboriginal Country, most traditional owners are still unable to return to their traditional lands due to issues of tenure. CAFNEC believes that that resolution of the dispossession of traditional peoples from their land, together with resolution of the social and economic consequences of the dispossession, are fundamental to the conservation of the Cape’s natural and cultural heritage.

This section is still in the process of being compiled - so keep watching this space. However visit Queensland Environment Groups Native Title and Protected Areas Project

Significant processes, agreements and reports

Cape York Peninsula Land Use Strategy

In 1990 the respective Queensland and Commonwealth Labor Governments jointly funded a comprehensive land use planning strategy for this region, the Cape York Peninsula Land Use Strategy (CYPLUS). Stage One of CYPLUS involved the compilation of a comprehensive inventory of the natural, cultural, development and infrastructure assets of the region. Stage Two of CYPLUS required the formulation of the Cape York Regional Advisory Group (CYRAG) to work through a comprehensive planning process for the future of the region. CYRAG membership was comprised of representatives from various stakeholder groups including the conservation, indigenous, pastoral, mining, local government and tourism sectors. Due to the Bilateral between the State and Federal government over the NHT still not signed - CYRAG has not been existence for over 18 months. CAFNEC is unsure of what will be planned in the future if and when it is signed.

Cape York Heads of Agreement

Cape York Land Use Heads of Agreement (HOA), a pact between conservationists, pastoralists and indigenous groups with an interest in the Peninsula, which was signed by all three parties on 5 February 1996. The HOA was negotiated in a spirit of co-operation that is regarded as a potential model for future land use planning in other regions of Australia. For more information on the HOA

Natural Heritage Trust

The Federal Government has promised $ 5.9 to go to the protection of CYP through the NHT2 program. This program is yet to be implemented in Queensland as the State and Commonwealth have yet to sign off on the Bilateral Agreement. The delivery mechanism required to manage and implement NHT2 of Cape York has yet to be decided. The NHT2 program requires that a Natural Resource Management Plan be developed for the region together with an investment strategy to guide funding. Upon Ministerial directive, CYPLUS will form the basis of the new CY Plan. The State is required to match the dollar contribution of the Commonwealth with in-kind contributions. The Government committed $40 million to CY NHT1, of which $12 million was to go to acquisition of protected areas and management of National Parks. Of this $12 million only just over $100 000 was spent!

Queensland Government Policies and Promises

During the recent State Election (February, 2004) the Beattie Government made a number of election commitments to Cape York. CAFNEC, Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), The Wilderness Society (TWS) and Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) will continue to work hard to make sure these promises are met in the next three years. Press release

Where to from here…

CAFNEC has been involved in Cape York issues for well over a decade. Through dedication of volunteers and CAFNEC staff - we have helped keep Cape York high on the political agenda. The Cape York campaign is unique because CAFNEC has been working closely with National and State groups ( TWS, ACF, and more recently QCC) along with Traditional Owners and both the Cape York Land Council and Balkanu. It has been often a frustrating and slow campaign, but little by little, Australians are becoming more aware of the importance and uniqueness of Cape York both for its natural and its cultural values - and their interdependence.

Both TWS and ACF now both have dedicated staff in Cairns working on the Cape York campaign. CAFNEC continues to work closely with these groups and with the added capacity of people on the ground in Cairns - great things are ahead of us for Cape York. But we need your continued support. Join CAFNEC or come in and see us to talk about Cape York issues. We always need volunteers. And of course please write to your local politicians both State and federal and let them know that you want the natural values of the Cape protected!