A 'new deal' for Cape York Peninsula

The Wilderness Society has launched the Cape York Heritage Protection Plan as a blue print for coordinated, strategic and funded action for Cape York’s future.

• Read the proposal here - 'Protecting Cape York's Heritage Values'

Cape York Peninsula is one of the last great wild places on Earth. Morgan River, Cape York Peninsula, QLD. Photographer: I. Brown

Cape York Peninsula is one of the last great wild places on Earth. Its extraordinary environmental and cultural importance has been recognised over many years and there have been many victories in the campaign to protect it: including the return of over 20,000 square kilometres of bush, ten times the size of the Australian Capital Territory, to Traditional Owners as freehold and National Park.

However we are now at a difficult cross road. Over many years, communities and governments have struggled to resolve the challenges of providing economic futures for Cape York’s people alongside ensuring protection of the region’s extraordinary beauty and its World Heritage values. Tensions bubble as different interests push their vision for the region. 

We have a once in a generation opportunity to protect Cape York: both the Queensland and Federal Governments have committed policies and resources to protect the Cape. But unfortunately different parts of government are not talking to each other which is limiting progress. In order to realise this opportunity we need leadership and vision from our political leaders. We need a clear, simple and agreed plan. Delivering a positive future for the Cape York Peninsula and its people requires a big vision and the resources to deliver it.

The Wilderness Society has launched the Cape York Heritage Protection Plan which calls for open dialogue and coordinated action and funding from both Queensland and Federal Governments. This is the best way to foster goodwill and cooperation to protect Cape York’s exceptional World Heritage values while building a vibrant and sustainable economy.

We need you to join us in calling on Queensland’s Premier Bligh and Federal Ministers Burke and Garrett to provide strong and inspired leadership for Cape York’s future. Please email them now >>

• Read the proposal here - 'Protecting Cape York's Heritage Values'
• Learn more about what makes the Cape York Peninsula so special