Cape York Natural Resource Management

10/06/2026

📢 Disaster Recovery Funding – Important Closing Dates

Queensland primary producers impacted by recent disaster events are reminded that applications for Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants are still open, but closing dates are approaching.

Important closing dates:

North and Far North Tropical Low - applications close 14 August 2026
Western Queensland Surface Trough and Associated Rainfall and Flooding - applications close 2 October 2026

If you or someone in your network has been affected, don't miss the opportunity to access available recovery support. For more information on available assistance and eligibility, visit the QRIDA website: https://qrida.qld.gov.au/primary-producers

Need help with your application? QRIDA offers free QRIDA Connect sessions, providing personalised online support so you can complete your application from your farm, business or home.

📞 1800 623 946
📧 [email protected]

Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority. For primary producers.

10/06/2026

Come join our team!

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 – 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 (𝐍𝐏) 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 (𝐂𝐘𝐏𝐀𝐋)

This position will support the delivery of joint management, natural resource management and on-ground operational activities on Oyala Thumotang NP (CYPAL) and KULLA NP (CYPAL) and works closely with Land Trust Rangers and Land Trust Directors for Oyala Thumotang Land Trust and KULLA Land Trust Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) staff and other stakeholders to support the effective management of Protected Areas under Indigenous Management Agreements.

The Protected Area Coordinator NP CYPAL plays a key role in coordinating field-based activities, supporting Ranger work programs, facilitating stakeholder engagement and assisting with the delivery of environmental and land management projects.

If you’re passionate about sustainability, collaboration, and making a real impact, you’ll find a rewarding role within our dedicated and supportive team.

✅ To find out more and to apply, visit: https://www.capeyorknrm.com.au/join-our-team

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31/05/2026

Did you know the endangered Golden-shouldered Parrot times its movements, feeding and breeding around the changing seasons of Cape York?

These striking parrots rely on a variety of native grasses throughout the year, including Cockatoo grass, Fire grass and Plume sorghum. During the wet season, when food becomes harder to find, Cockatoo grass becomes a critical food source that helps the species survive.

Cape York NRM is working alongside Traditional Owners, graziers and local communities to improve habitat and protect important feeding areas for the species.

Learn more about the grasses and seasonal food sources supporting the Golden-shouldered Parrot in our new guide: https://www.capeyorknrm.com.au/resources-and-publications

This project is funded by the Australian Government and delivered by Cape York NRM, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

27/05/2026

What a fantastic Reef Fest 2026! 🐠🪸

Last week’s event brought together almost 50 attendees from across Cape York, including Traditional Owner groups, researchers, land managers, community organisations, government agencies and private landholders. The event provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to strengthen networks, share knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the important work being delivered across the region. It also showcased how the many components of the Paddock to Reef program come together to support healthier catchments, wetlands and reef systems.

Reef Fest 2026 showcased both current and past projects taking place on land and in waterways throughout the Cape York Reef Catchments and created valuable opportunities for information sharing, networking and collaboration, with break sessions allowing participants to connect, discuss common challenges.

The coral monitoring presentation delivered by visiting scientist, Dr Mike Emslie from the Australian Institute of Marine Science was a major highlight of the event. Local scientists were also highly praised, with Dr Jeff Shellberg’s sediment management presentation receiving outstanding feedback from attendees.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed, including representatives from Country Universities Centre Cooktown, Cairns and Far North Environment Centre, Land Queensland (NRMMRRD), Queensland Environment (DETSI), Cook Shire Council, South Cape York Catchments, Cape York Water Partnership, Australian Institute of Marine Science and many others.

It was especially valuable to have Traditional Owner groups represented, including Lama Lama, Guugu Yimithirr, Dabu Jajikal, and Juunjuuwarra sharing knowledge, experiences and on-ground perspectives from across the Cape.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Reef Fest 2026 such a successful and inspiring event. Together, we continue to work towards a healthier future for Cape York and the Reef. 😍

The Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.

27/05/2026

Come join our team!

Cape York NRM is seeking a dedicated and values-driven individual to play a key leadership role in supporting the organisation’s people, culture, workplace health and safety, and organisational capability functions. The 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞, 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐇𝐒 L𝐞𝐚𝐝 is a senior position providing strategic and operational leadership across human resources, workplace health and safety and compliance activities.

If you’re passionate about sustainability, collaboration, and making a real impact, you’ll find a rewarding role within our dedicated and supportive team.

✅ To find out more and to apply, visit: https://www.capeyorknrm.com.au/join-our-team

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21/05/2026

Cape York NRM project officers recently completed the first round of land condition monitoring and woody thickening surveys as part of the RCE Legacy Land Condition Monitoring Project.

Over five days, Andrew and Lola visited 26 sites along the Peninsula Developmental Road between Mareeba and Coen, and out to Pormpuraaw, using the Landscape Condition Assessment Tool (LCAT) to assess long-term changes in land condition across Cape York.

The surveys are helping build a better understanding of how landscapes are changing over time, while also giving staff the opportunity to strengthen their field skills, including pasture grass identification.

This project is funded by the Queensland Government’s Natural Resources Recovery Program
Land Queensland

19/05/2026

📢 Final reminder! Reef Fest 2026 is happening tomorrow in Cooktown. 🐠🪸

Join us for presentations, project showcases and discussions focused on protecting the Great Barrier Reef and improving water quality across Cape York.

This is a FREE community event, and light refreshments will be provided.

RSVP to Lauren O'Bryan on 0477 720 359 or email [email protected]

The Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.

18/05/2026

Building the Reef’s resilience starts on land. 🌳🐠🪸

The new Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy is all about addressing land-based run-off through improving catchment health and the quality of the water flowing to our Great Barrier Reef.

Developed in close consultation with communities, industry, experts, and Traditional Owners, this Strategy supports regions like ours to tailor actions that actually work for our unique landscape.

It’s about building stronger landscapes and resilient communities, working hand-in-hand to protect the Reef for future generations.

Read the new Strategy: https://www.reefplan.qld.gov.au/

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Queensland Environment Queensland Environment

18/05/2026

To mark the launch of our Orchard Resilience project we are hosting our first round of Orchard Convos!

Join our Ask Me Anything webinars to connect with a range of agronomists, agroecologists, farmers and consultants over a casual Zoom call. The line up covers a range of topics, so bring your burning questions!

The online convos are free and run from 26 May - 3rd June.

🌳 Farm planning for orchard resilience with Darren Doherty and Campbell Mercher - Tue 26 May, 12pm AEST
🌳 Life cycles and management of beneficial insects with Paul Horne and Rebecca Addison - Thurs 28th May, 12pm AEST
🌳 Biodiversity and interrow management with Abigail Makim - Tues 2nd June, 12pm AEST
🌳 Biological controls for subtropical orchards with Dean Metcalf - Wed 3rd June, 12pm AEST

Register at the link https://loom.ly/2U6bDEQ

The Orchard Resilience Project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.

Regrarians
Manna Hill Estate
Soil First Tasmania
Native Foodways
Regen WA
Soilcare Inc.
Gulf Savannah NRM
NRM South

14/05/2026

We had a great few days at the Coen Muster 2026!

A fantastic event to share conversations about Country, community and caring for Cape York landscapes and our “ID the Speccie” game was a hit, with plenty of sharp-eyed locals taking on the challenge to win a straw hat.