Wet Tropics of Queensland
Country
Australia
Inscribed in
1988
Criteria
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "significant concern" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
This area, which stretches along the north-east coast of Australia for some 450 km, is made up largely of tropical rainforests. This biotope offers a particularly extensive and varied array of plants, as well as marsupials and singing birds, along with other rare and endangered animals and plant species. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 أكتوبر 2025
Significant concern
Current state and trend of VALUES
High Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Superlative natural beauty
Criterion
(vii)
The Wet Tropics exhibits exceptional natural beauty, with superlative scenic features highlighted by extensive sweeping forest vistas, wild rivers, waterfalls, rugged gorges and coastal scenery. This is particularly apparent between the Daintree River and Cedar Bay, where exceptional coastal scenery combines tropical rainforest and white sandy beaches with fringing offshore coral reefs (World Heritage Committee, 2012).
Living examples of ancient and primitive rainforest species
Criterion
(viii)
The Wet Tropics contains one of the most complete and diverse living records of the major stages in the evolution of land plants, from the very first pteridophytes more than 200 million years ago, to the evolution of seed-producing plants including the cone-bearing cycads and southern conifers (gymnosperms), followed by the flowering plants (angiosperms). As the Wet Tropics is the largest part of the entire Australasian region where rainforests have persisted continuously since Gondwanan times, its living flora, with the highest concentration of primitive, archaic and relict taxa known, is the closest modern-day counterpart for Gondwanan forests. In addition, all of Australia’s unique marsupials and most of its other animals originated in rainforest ecosystems, and the Wet Tropics still contains many of their closest surviving members (World Heritage Committee, 2012).
Unique rainforest ecosystems
Criterion
(ix)
As a centre of endemism for the region the Wet Tropics provides fundamental insights into evolutionary patterns both in isolation from and in interaction with other rainforests. Its tall, open forests on the drier western margins of the rainforest are also significant as part of an evolutionary continuum of rainforest and sclerophyll forests. Eucalypts, that now dominate the Australian landscape, are considered to have evolved from such rainforest stock and radiated into drier environments from the margins of closed forests (World Heritage Committee, 2012).
Exceptional biodiversity
Criterion
(x)
The Wet Tropics holds a largely intact flora and fauna with hundreds of endemic species restricted to the site, of which many are classified as threatened. The majority of plant species have restricted distributions, and many monotypic plant genera and several species of marsupials, frogs and reptiles have very restricted distributions either as isolated or disjunct populations, reflecting the refugial nature of the rainforests found in several locations. The diversity of the plant communities and animal habitats of the Wet Tropics is recognised as being the most floristically and structurally diverse in Australia and is also outstanding on a global scale. Among many emblematic species occurring in the site is the flightless Australian cassowary, one of the largest birds in the world (World Heritage Committee, 2012). The Wet Tropics area supports an exceptionally high level of diversity of flora, with over 3,300 described plant species in 224 families, of which 708 species and 48 genera are endemic, including one endemic plant family (WTMA, 2019).
In an Australian context, the Wet Tropics covers less than 0.12% of the total area of the Australian landmass. The area contains 30% of the marsupial species; 48% of bat species; 25% of rodent species; 40% of bird species; 29% of frog species; 23% of reptile species; 60% of butterfly species; 65% of fern species; 21% of cycad species; 37% of conifer species; 30% of orchid species and 18% of Australia’s vascular plant species (WTMA, 2019; IUCN Consultation, 2025).
The Wet Tropics is home to approximately 669 species of vertebrate animal, half of which are birds. This represents approximately 45% of the total vertebrate diversity across the entire Australian continent. Some 38% (254 of 669) of the Wet Tropics species commonly use rainforest and one in five (18%) are rainforest specialists. For its size, the region is especially rich in regional endemic species, with 90 species found nowhere else in the world.
Although the Wet Tropics is predominantly wet tropical rainforest and closed forest, it is fringed and, in a few places, dissected by sclerophyll forests, woodlands, swamps and mangrove forests, adding to its diversity. There are 113 species of reptiles in the Wet Tropics area, of which 27 species are endemic, including three monotypic endemic genera. The diversity of amphibians in the Wet Tropics includes 51 species of which 26 are endemic. There are 107 mammal species in the Wet Tropics area including 12 endemic species and two monotypic endemic genera. There are 368 bird species, of which 12 species are endemic (World Heritage Committee, 2012; IUCN Consultation, 2025).
In an Australian context, the Wet Tropics covers less than 0.12% of the total area of the Australian landmass. The area contains 30% of the marsupial species; 48% of bat species; 25% of rodent species; 40% of bird species; 29% of frog species; 23% of reptile species; 60% of butterfly species; 65% of fern species; 21% of cycad species; 37% of conifer species; 30% of orchid species and 18% of Australia’s vascular plant species (WTMA, 2019; IUCN Consultation, 2025).
The Wet Tropics is home to approximately 669 species of vertebrate animal, half of which are birds. This represents approximately 45% of the total vertebrate diversity across the entire Australian continent. Some 38% (254 of 669) of the Wet Tropics species commonly use rainforest and one in five (18%) are rainforest specialists. For its size, the region is especially rich in regional endemic species, with 90 species found nowhere else in the world.
Although the Wet Tropics is predominantly wet tropical rainforest and closed forest, it is fringed and, in a few places, dissected by sclerophyll forests, woodlands, swamps and mangrove forests, adding to its diversity. There are 113 species of reptiles in the Wet Tropics area, of which 27 species are endemic, including three monotypic endemic genera. The diversity of amphibians in the Wet Tropics includes 51 species of which 26 are endemic. There are 107 mammal species in the Wet Tropics area including 12 endemic species and two monotypic endemic genera. There are 368 bird species, of which 12 species are endemic (World Heritage Committee, 2012; IUCN Consultation, 2025).
Irreplaceability
In 2013, the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage site was assessed as the second most irreplaceable natural World Heritage site currently included on the World Heritage List. The irreplaceability rank indicates the relative importance of a site among 173,461 protected areas for all the species analyzed (Bertzky et al., 2013). Many species of plants that link to ancient flora are found only within the property and include species such as Stockwellia quadrifida with just 400 individuals left to highlight ancient connections between rainforests and eucalypts. Endemism in many groups of plants is high. A large number of animal species are only found in the Wet Tropics such as the mahogany glider, several ring-tailed possums, 12 species of birds across several families including bowerbirds and birds of paradise, representatives of ancient fauna such as the musky rat-kangarooo, two tree-kangaroo species, several frogs and reptiles and a number of aquatic animals. These, along with the area’s large number of threatened species such as the southern cassowary and their distinct habitats, contributed to the Wet Tropics’ high score of irreplaceability.
Assessment information
The ongoing and increasing impact of invasive animal and plant species and diseases, such as yellow crazy ants and Myrtle Rust, pose a significant threat to the Outstanding Universal Value of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area. These threats are the target of mitigation efforts by the managing authorities and community groups, which have had significant success relating to yellow crazy ants, but which will require extra effort and continued funding over the long term to continue to be effective. The World Heritage site is also particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. Climate change will have severe effects on the Outstanding Universal Value of the site, particularly on animals with low temperature range tolerances and montane flora and fauna. It is anticipated there will be large changes in the abundance and distribution of flora and fauna. Interactions between organisms, such as predator-prey relationships and insect pollination, are likely to be disrupted, creating consequent changes in ecosystem composition, structure and function.
Residential Areas
(Growing regional population inside Wet Tropics region putting a strain on resources and infrastructure)
Outside site
The Wet Tropics region is the most populous in Northern Australia. The Queensland Government population projections (2023 update) for Cairns and Townsville, which covers almost all the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and surrounding population areas, provides a medium projected population change from 494,448 people in 2021 to 603,007 in 2046 (WTMA 2024). Tourism visitor numbers to Tropical North Queensland were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2024, they were 92% of the pre-pandemic level. Tropical North Queensland welcomed 2.8 million visitors who stayed an average of six nights in the region for the year ending March 2024 (Tourism Tropical North Queensland 2024.). Demand for infrastructure like roads, dams and energy supply driven by a growing urban and rural population and tourist visitor numbers and distributing visitation across a wider area creates further threats to conservation (WTMA, 2024). Although these developments are carefully regulated, this leads to greater demand for water for residential, agricultural and industrial uses, and for improved community service infrastructure in areas adjacent to the World Heritage site.
Logging, Harvesting & Controlling Trees
(Fragmentation from pre- listing extractive forestry operations)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Prior to the inscription of the site on the World Heritage List in 1988 the rainforests were subject to extensive timber harvesting. By 2003, over 6,500 km of logging roads had been closed (State Party of Australia, 2003). Some of the decommissioned forestry roads now form the basis of walking tracks such as the long-distance Misty Mountains Trails. No major forest loss has been documented since 1991 (Reside et al., 2017).
Roads, Trails & Railroads
(Road maintenance)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
There are presently 729.15 km of maintained vehicle roads in the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area (IUCN Consultation, 2024). Maintenance activities create pressure for vegetation removal and drainage disturbances, and risk introduction of pathogens and habitat fragmentation. All roads in the site are classified and management practices are regulated under the statutory Wet Tropics Management Plan 1998 (WTMA, 2020). Cyclone Jasper and associated heavy rainfall events in December 2023 caused severe damage to the road network, with many landslips in the World Heritage Area. While the road repair works sought to minimise the disturbance footprint and vegetation clearing, and rehabilitation programs are underway, climate change projections show the severity of extreme events like Jasper are likely to increase, with a trend towards heightened threat from roadworks (DTM, 2025).
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species, Pathogens
(Terrestrial and freshwater invasive species and disease)
Invasive/problematic species
Anoplolepis gracilipes
Phytophthora cinnamomi
Miconia calvescens
Sus scrofa
Mikania micrantha
Limnocharis flava
Wasmannia auropunctata
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
Invasive species continue to cause impact. The rate and introduction of invasive pests throughout the Wet Tropics Bioregion and World Heritage site is increasing more rapidly than can be managed through existing programs, leading to biodiversity loss (WTMA 2024). Threats such as feral pigs, yellow crazy ants, electric ants, several invasive weed pests, and pathogens such as Myrtle Rust, will require collaborative effort and resources to manage adverse impacts (WTMA, 2019, 2024). Synergisms among invasive species and climate change may result in rapid and catastrophic changes that increasingly threaten the region’s flora and fauna, habitats and ecosystems (WTMA, 2011, 2024). Progress on the control and local eradication of the yellow crazy ant (covered separately in more detail below) has been significant but considerably more work remains to be done. Invasive species such as pigs, cats, Tramp Ants and weeds (now over 500 species) as well as plant diseases such as Myrtle Rust pose a threat to biosecurity and to the values of the World Heritage site. A small number of newly emerging weed species such as Miconia, Mikania and Limnocharis are of management concern as are Phytophthora cinnamomi, Tilapia and other invasive species. The full impact of their presence is not yet clear. All these diseases and pests are difficult to manage and pose a very significant threat to the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the Wet Tropics if not contained. Priority needs to be given to prevention and community education, as management of incursions is too costly. It is important that all levels of government continue to invest appropriate funding to Wet Tropics biosecurity (WTMA, 2011, 2024).
Recreational Activities
(Large tourist numbers putting pressure on visitor sites)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Tourism visitor numbers to Tropical North Queensland were increasing steadily before the COVID-19 pandemic. After a large decline during the pandemic, in 2024 they were 92% pre-pandemic levels (TTNQ 2024). The Wet Tropics Sustainable Tourism Plan 2021-2031 (WTMA 2021) provides a platform for collaboration, sustainable tourism and visitor management, and for the protection and conservation of natural and cultural values in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The tourism industry is recognised as a key regional partner and the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) has demonstrated a capacity to improve outcomes through partnership with tourism operators (WTMA, 2021, 2024). Increased demands for novel expansion within the World Heritage site and for development of tourism infrastructure in areas not previously used raised concern in the conservation community during the revised Wet Tropics Plan 1998 review processes (IUCN Consultation, 2020a). The revised Management Plan was released in September 2020 (IUCN Consultation, 2020d). With complex tenure and management responsibilities for land in and around the World Heritage site, a collaborative approach with the tourism sector is crucial. This must consider tourism operator needs, potential negative impacts of visitor use, and asset upgrade and maintenance requirements to ensure that visitor experiences are sustainable and do not detract from conservation values and outcomes. Cooperation among the WTMA, Queensland Government, local governments, local communities, the tourism industry, the conservation sector and Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples is essential to achieve conservation and presentation outcomes for the World Heritage site. (WTMA, 2021).
Marine & Freshwater Aquaculture
(Altered water flows and water quality run-off through the World Heritage site into coastal waters)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Agriculture (mainly sugar cane, bananas, horticulture and cattle grazing) is a significant land use in the region surrounding the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (on 2,500 neighbouring blocks). Grazing is permitted within the World Heritage site (except in rainforest) in rural parcels (WTMA, 2012). Neighbours and landholders have cooperated with the Wet Tropics Management Authority and other organisations such as Terrain Natural Resource Management to develop toolkits for best practice on private properties. The Wet Tropics Waterways Report Card also reports annually on the condition and trend of a range of waterway health indicators for the region. Agricultural practices in the surrounding region have shown some improvements (supported by Terrain NRM) through work associated with protecting the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage site from terrestrial nutrients, pesticides, herbicides and sediment run-off.
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species
(Yellow crazy ants)
Invasive/problematic species
Anoplolepis gracilipes
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) are of one of the world’s worst invasive species. A large uncontrolled invasion of yellow crazy ants could affect most of the animal species in the Wet Tropics bioregion and Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. These impacts could be direct – through predation and harassment – or indirect, such as by the removal of invertebrate prey or disruption of processes such as decomposition, pollination and seed dispersal. The potential for knock-on effects in a system as complex and interconnected as the Wet Tropics rainforest is very high. The yellow crazy ant have infested areas within and adjacent to the World Heritage site, after having been first detected in the site in 2012. The Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) has been leading a yellow crazy ant eradication program with significant success to date. The program has been jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments and has seen significant reductions in population numbers. As of 10 April 2025, the total area eradicated was 728.2 ha, (the largest area in the world to have been eradicated of yellow crazy ants) with 63.2ha of that area within the World Heritage site. WTMA expects to declare eradication from a further 1000 ha over the next three years. As of 10 April 2025, the total yellow crazy ant treatment area under active management was 2,145.8 ha, with 164.9 ha within the World Heritage site. (WTMA, 2024). WTMA is actively seeking to find any further yellow crazy ant infestations. Substantial ongoing investment from the Queensland and Australian governments is committed until 2026 and will need to be extended to achieve total eradication. While progress has been significant and eradication remains on track, the threat that may arise from failure would be of significant concern and there is much still to be accomplished (IUCN Consultation, 2020d).
Unknown Threats
(Insecticide application)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
In carrying out its Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program, the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) applies an insecticidal bait, with fipronil as an active ingredient, to kill yellow crazy ants. Fipronil is a neurotoxin with broad-scale effects (Gibbons et al., 2015; Overmyer et al., 2007). The bait is applied at 0.01g per kg in a fishmeal matrix at 5kg/ha up to three times per year, aerially in forested and agricultural areas and manually in residential and riparian areas. Although the bait is monopolised by yellow crazy ants when abundance is high, to achieve eradication, bait must be applied evenly as target ant abundance declines. The most directly affected non-target fauna will likely be other ant species. The effects are likely to be localised to the sites where bait is applied, and recolonisation will likely occur over time if enough surrounding rainforest is not baited and is not compromised by other threats. WTMA minimises excess risk from insecticide application by changing from broadscale to spot treatments as soon as surveys provide confidence in yellow crazy ant absence across large areas. WTMA continues to work with James Cook University to monitor any effects of the bait on non-target terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, as well as the recovery of terrestrial invertebrates, after baiting and/or yellow crazy ant infestation.
Severe Weather Events
(Tropical cyclones)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
The Wet Tropics rainforests exist in a climate zone of naturally medium tropical cyclone frequency on a global scale (Turton 2019). Ecosystems will have evolved and are generally adapted to the cycles of disturbance created by tropical cyclones. However, the impact of tropical cyclones is now magnified by a reduction in the adaptive capacity of rainforest ecosystems caused by climate change, clearing and fragmentation, invasive plants and animals and other anthropogenic disturbances. Climate change is a matter of serious concern and is predicted to lead to an increased severity of tropical cyclones, driven by global heating and an increase in rainfall intensity from tropical storms (Turton 2019). For example, Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi caused extensive damage in February 2011, and Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023 resulted in significant flooding and damage across the region, including widespread landslides inside the World Heritage site, and significant sediment and freshwater flows into coastal waters and the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon, leading to widespread impacts. With climate change, tropical cyclone frequency is predicted to decline for the Wet Tropics region, while cyclone intensity is predicted to increase, resulting in a greater risk of ecosystem disruption from high winds and heavy rainfall (Turton 2019). Impacts of climate change are dire and will require extremely active management, high responsiveness and flexibility that may not be possible with existing capacity (WTMA, 2016, 2024).
Changes in Physical & Chemical Regimes, Changes in Temperature Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Climate change)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
Climate change is one of the most significant threats to the World Heritage site and is likely to result in widespread and substantial ecological change (WTMA, 2019, 2024). Climate change is the greatest threat to the Outstanding Universal Value and long-term integrity to the site (WTMA 2024). Data indicate that the status and conservation outlook has not improved since the 2017 and 2020 IUCN World Heritage Outlook Reports. Climate change will adversely impact the biodiversity values underpinning the World Heritage listing of the site. There are several significant threats that the site continues to face, and climate change is escalating as the most significant threat to the Wet Tropics' long-term outlook (WTMA, 2019, 2024). Changes to endemic and specialised cool-adapted rainforest species distribution and density have already been recorded—and some sombre predictions of modelled effects are already being realised (WTMA, 2019). Climate change is emerging as a major threat to biodiversity values and can exacerbate impacts of other threatening processes such as tropical cyclones, fragmentation, pests/weeds and changed water and fire regimes. Species living at high altitudes with limited thermal tolerances, such as the Green and Lemuroid Ringtail Possums, will be particularly susceptible (WTMA, 2004). The biodiversity of the Wet Tropics is threatened due to projected changes in key climate attributes (rising temperatures and changes in precipitation) which could seriously affect plant and animal species vulnerable to a warmer and a more variable hydroclimate, including those likely from rising cloud bases due to global warming (Turton 2023). Climate change also brings an increased risk of more intense tropical cyclones, droughts and bushfires, flooding and widespread landslides with associated disruption to ecosystems (WTMA, 2011; WTMA 2024; Krockenberger et al., 2003; Turton 2023). Some keystone species are already critically endangered partly through climate change impacts (for example the Spectacled Flying Fox from extreme heatwave events). Work by Williams et al. (also William and De La Fuente A (2021)) of James Cook University indicates measurable declines in mid and high elevation species and expansion upwards by some low elevation species, with ancient and unique taxa such as the Tooth-billed Bowerbird and Lemuroid Ringtail Possum being among the species most vulnerable to climate change. All mountaintop endemic plants are likely to qualify as Critically Endangered (CR) now, under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species criteria (WTMA, n.d.). Recent draft Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 frog and reptile assessments also list all mountaintop endemics as at risk. Most species listed as contributing to the Outstanding Universal Value of the site “have low resilience and are concentrated in the stable upland refugia” (WTMA, 2015), making them highly vulnerable to climate change and extinction. Discovery of additional species of fauna, especially of insects, continues but there is concern that insect diversity and abundance is already in decline. This is an area with limited or no direct monitoring so it is difficult to draw strong conclusions. There is scope for expansion of this work to better monitor ecosystem impacts from climate change.
The Wet Tropics region is the most populous in Northern Australia. The Queensland Government population projections (2023 update) for Cairns and Townsville, which covers almost all the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and surrounding population areas, provides a medium projected population change from 494,448 people in 2021 to 603,007 in 2046. A growing urban population in the Wet Tropics region and the projected return to pre-COVID-19 pandemic high levels of tourism visitation over coming years will put extra pressure on land and water resources. With appropriate planning and management these impacts should be minimised. However, increased demands for novel expansion within the World Heritage site and for development of tourism infrastructure in areas not previously used for such activities is a growing concern. The Wet Tropics Management Authority works closely with landholders, local and Queensland government agencies to manage these impacts. The continuing popularity of the World Heritage site as a major tourism destination, and its promotion by the WTMA, Queensland and Australian government will see increasing pressure for visitor infrastructure in and around the World Heritage site, with several planned facilities. The increase in temperature, and therefore evaporation, increasing number of heatwaves, increasing dry season length and severity, and increasingly open canopies from high intensity tropical cyclones has the potential to vastly increase fuel loads, fire danger and frequency—potentially triggering structural, floristic and faunal changes to entire ecosystems. This carries a risk of fire becoming a real threat to the rainforest, which is typically a fire-sensitive ecosystem.
Recreational Activities
(Continuing high levels of tourism)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
A growing urban population in the Wet Tropics region and the forecast post COVID-19 pandemic return to high levels of tourism visitation over coming years (TTNQ 2024) will put extra pressure on water and land resources, potentially affecting the outstanding universal value of the World Heritage site. With appropriate consultation, planning and management, any adverse impacts should be minimised. However, increased demands for novel expansion within the World Heritage site and for development of tourism infrastructure in areas not previously used for such activities is a growing concern. The Wet Tropics Sustainable Tourism Plan 2021-2031 was released in 2021 (WTMA 2021), and the revised Wet Tropics Management Plan was released in September 2020 (IUCN Consultation, 2020a).
Fire & Fire Management
(Fires)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
All rainforest and non-rainforest ecosystems in the Wet Tropics bioregion evolved under the influence of fire and rely on specific fire regimes (including the absence of fire) for their persistence in the landscape. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples used fire to manage landscapes in the Wet Tropics bioregion for many millennia, including for example, creating a mosaic of patches representative of a range of heterogeneity across space and time (Tng et al., 2014). These practices have been disrupted since European settlement, with the decline of active Aboriginal burning and changes in land use. Understanding of the dynamics of fire in non-rainforest (sclerophyll) and rainforest ecosystems remains limited (Krishnan, 2019). More extreme and unplanned bushfires are predicted to occur in the future, with climate change playing a significant role (WTMA, 2019, 2024). The increase in maximum temperatures, and therefore evaporation, increasing number of heatwaves, increasing dry season length and severity, and increasingly open canopies from high intensity tropical cyclones have the potential to vastly increase fuel loads, fire danger and frequency—potentially triggering structural, floristic and faunal changes to entire ecosystems. This carries a risk of fire becoming a real threat to the rainforest, which is typically a fire-sensitive ecosystem (WTMA, 2015). This threat will need more collaborative work with adjacent landowners to develop an appropriate fire management regime for the changed circumstances. WTMA is working with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships (QPWS&P) and Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples to develop fire adaptation strategies (IUCN Consultation, 2020d), including the update to the QPWS&P Wet Tropics Planned Burn Guidelines. The use of fire by Rainforest Aboriginal people was essential for their permanent occupation of the rainforest of the Wet Tropics and their unique practices of using fire to convert small patches of rainforest into open forest, and of placing hot coals at the base of vines are recognised as nationally significant through inclusion on Australia's National Heritage List (Australian Government, DAWE 2021). Continuation of these practices is essential to protecting heritage as well as threat management (Roberts et al., 2021).
Changes in Temperature Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Predicted longer, drier dry seasons)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
Projected effects of climate change will increase frequency of droughts and associated hot fires which may allow weeds such as guinea grass and molasses grass to establish, changing the seasonality and intensity of ground fires when they dominate ground cover (WTMA, 2004).
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
The Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) works with a range of government, scientific, tourism, Aboriginal and non-government organisations. Supporting the WTMA Board are two statutory advisory committees representing community views and scientific expertise (Community Consultative Committee and Scientific Advisory Committee), and a non-statutory Indigenous Advisory Committee, jointly established in 2024 with Terrain NRM, to advise on strategic and operational priorities across the Wet Tropics Biocultural Region (IUCN Consultation, 2024). The WTMA Board continues to maintain local community membership, an important and effective way to stay connected.
Legal framework
The Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993 provides a comprehensive legal framework and outlines the management responsibilities of the various state authorities. The Act also establishes the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) to ensure that Australia’s obligation under the World Heritage Convention is met in relation to the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area. The Act sets down the functions of WTMA and provides the head of power for making statutory management plans for regulation of activities that may impact on the values and integrity of the site. The Act has been updated in two amendments in 2022 and 2023. The first amendments were to align with Australian National Cabinet changes and to streamline the process for certain amendments to a management plan. The second amendments removed an exemption that formerly allowed mining in the property, reinforced WTMA’s management of land subdivision and made several other administrative changes and clarifications. The Management Scheme Intergovernmental Agreement for the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area is an intergovernmental agreement between the Australian and Queensland governments and provides the basis for both tiers of government working together. It was last amended in 2012. Another important national legal framework for environmental protection, the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 underwent a ten-year statutory review (the Samuel Review). However, the Australian Government is yet to implement the review's findings, which is of some concern.
Governance arrangements
The Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area was declared in 1988. A management agency was formed soon after, which became the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) under the Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993. WTMA fulfils Australia's international obligation under the World Heritage Convention to protect, conserve, present, rehabilitate and transmit the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area (the Area) and to ensure its survival for future generations. Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, WTMA has an independent Board of Directors. Administratively WTMA is a division within the Queensland Government's Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. WTMA employs about 40 staff and works in partnership to manage the World Heritage site with a range of government agencies, land managers and landholders, Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples, research organisations, local government, tourism and community groups. A statutory Scientific Advisory Committee and a Community Consultative Committee, appointed by the Board, provide expert advice on community and scientific matters. The non-statutory Indigenous Advisory Committee, established in 2024 with Terrain NRM provide advice to the Board on strategic and operational priorities across the Wet Tropics Biocultural Region.
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
The Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2009–2031 has included broad scale mapping of biodiversity, strategic rehabilitation areas and corridors (Queensland Government, 2009). However, these areas need to be mapped at a finer scale when included in mapping local government planning schemes to represent effective “constraints” to development. The Wet Tropics Management Plan effectively manages development within the World Heritage site, and where there are any inconsistencies between a Town Planning Scheme and the Wet Tropics Management Plan the Management Plan endures. The revised Wet Tropics Management Plan includes a provision to regulate reconfiguration of land parcels (lots) within the area and has strengthened the alignment between town planning and the management plan (IUCN Consultation, 2020d).
Boundaries
The boundaries of the Wet Tropics World Heritage site are for the most part clearly delineated and widely respected by adjacent landholders and communities. The digital spatial map created in the last major Wet Tropics Management Plan Review makes the boundary and zoning available for on-line use and provides flexibility for use within other digital spatial realms. This improves the visibility of the World Heritage Area in land use planning and other forums. Work continues between the State and Commonwealth to more accurately represent the boundary to respond to the heavier scrutiny enabled by online use (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
While there is no buffer zone, the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 comes into play where a development proposal within or outside the World Heritage site may have a significant impact on the World Heritage site. However, under the Queensland Government’s Planning Regulation 2017, there are no triggers for consultation to occur for any development proposals which are outside and adjacent to the World Heritage site (IUCN Consultation, 2020a). The Wet Tropics Management Authority reviews State, Regional and Local Government land use planning documents to ensure that land use impacts and ecological outcomes, both inside and outside the World Heritage Area boundary are managed (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
While there is no buffer zone, the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 comes into play where a development proposal within or outside the World Heritage site may have a significant impact on the World Heritage site. However, under the Queensland Government’s Planning Regulation 2017, there are no triggers for consultation to occur for any development proposals which are outside and adjacent to the World Heritage site (IUCN Consultation, 2020a). The Wet Tropics Management Authority reviews State, Regional and Local Government land use planning documents to ensure that land use impacts and ecological outcomes, both inside and outside the World Heritage Area boundary are managed (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Overlapping international designations
N/A.
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
The World Heritage Committee inscribed the Wet Tropics of Queensland on the World Heritage List in 1988 and recommended an appropriate management regime be established (World Heritage Committee, 1988). Decision 16COM.WIII (World Heritage Committee, 1992) noted with satisfaction that much progress had been made. In 1998 the Bureau at its 22nd session learnt that action had been taken regarding vegetation clearance within the World Heritage site, and were later advised that the statutory Management Plan, which provides the Wet Tropics Management Authority with the full suite of powers to act in the interests of World Heritage values was effective from 1 Sept 1998 (World Heritage Committee, 1998). There are no recent World Heritage Committee Decisions regarding this site so the effectiveness of implementation assessment remains outdated.
Climate action
The Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area is highly exposed and sensitive (vulnerable) to current and projected adverse climate change threats to its integrity and irreplaceability. The climate change threat is largely global and national in origin (driven by rising greenhouse gases from human activities), but it is nonetheless a significant concern to the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage site. Defining limits of acceptable change to the attributes that underpin the Outstanding Universal Value of the site is important (Australian Academy of Science, 2022). The Climate Adaptation Plan for the Wet Tropics 2020–2030 lists high priorities and recognises that new avenues of funding are needed to support implementation. Given the projected adverse impacts of climate change on the World Heritage site, this will require extremely active management, with significant investment from the Australian and Queensland governments, effective collaboration, high responsiveness and flexibility. The land restoration program resulting from this action plan has been the Wet Tropics Management Authority’s most recent focus (IUCN Consultation, 2024). Reduction of greenhouse gas pollution is vital to the protection of this World Heritage Site (Australian Academy of Science, 2022).
Management plan and overall management system
The last major review of the Wet Tropics Management Plan (1998) was released in September 2020. The review introduced new controls over subdivision of land, updated the zoning system and refreshed the management of land use in the World Heritage site. A 10-year Wet Tropics Strategic Plan 2020-2030 provides direction and priorities for management of the World Heritage site over the next 10 years. The Wet Tropics Strategic Plan: 2020-2030 outlines how the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) will address priorities such as climate change and other cross-tenure threats; collaborate with and support the aspirations of Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples; present the World Heritage site and minimise impacts through appropriate management regimes. Each year WTMA provides an assessment of the State of the Wet Tropics and an annual report. The latest was released in 2024. In 2019 the Wet Tropics Management Authority launched Accept Act Adapt: Climate Adaptation Plan for the Wet Tropics 2020–2030, as an action plan for addressing the impacts of climate change (see Climate Action). The land restoration program resulting from this action plan has been the Wet Tropics Management Authority’s most recent focus (IUCN Consultation, 2024). WTMA works closely with Queensland government agencies (particularly the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships and the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships), Terrain Natural Resource Management (not for profit), community conservation groups, private landholders and Traditional Owners to promote ecological connectivity across the broader landscape. Relationships appear to be positive and well established. WTMA works with Queensland Government planning activities to manage cross boundary impacts and implement ecological connectivity outside the World Heritage site through Queensland’s statutory land use planning legislation (IUCN Consultation, 2024). Several conservation and land management priorities are also reflected in the Terrain NRM Regional Plan – Wet Tropics Plan for people and country. Capacity for implementation of these various strategies is evident, though dependence on government, or alternative funding. WTMA, Terrain and the Cairns and Far North Environment Council have been working on strategies to increase funding into land management and conservation initiatives through a number of initiatives, with only moderate success. The Wet Tropics Management Plan has limited capacity to manage biosecurity risks, however the Wet Tropics Strategic Plan: 2020-2030 outlines several focused actions to deal with biosecurity risks (IUCN Consultation, 2020d).
Law enforcement
Over 87% of the Wet Tropics World Heritage site is National Parks and other protected areas that receive on-ground management by the Queensland Government's Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships (QPWS&P). Wet Tropics Management Authority Officers and QPWS&P rangers that have been provided with compliance training under relevant legislation and can be appointed as Queensland Government Authorised Officers under the Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993, Nature Conservation Act 1992 and Forestry Act 1959 to perform specific enforcement functions across the Area. Some Wet Tropics Management Authority officers have also received additional training, for authorisation under the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014 (IUCN Consultation, 2020a; 2024).
Sustainable finance
Funding to the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) is provided through an agreement of the Queensland and Australian governments (Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993). This enables core functions to be undertaken. It should be noted that the State appropriations, as per this arrangement are allocated to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships (QPWS&P) under a Partnership agreement between WTMA and QPWS&P. Separate funding is provided to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships (QPWS&P) for management of national parks within the World Heritage site. Base funding from the Australian and Queensland governments has been decreasing in real terms, with the absolute, non-inflation adjusted base funding being static for over two decades, resulting in a decline in resourcing required to meet obligations (IUCN Consultation, 2024). Base funding is supplemented by access to a range of government grants, usually in partnership with community organisations, for example the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program and Reef Assist Funding through the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. Whilst funding is reaching critical limits to maintain basic management functions, additional funding is required to meet obligations for managing the World Heritage site, and to provide an effective response to the growing threats posed by unmanaged fire, invasive weeds, pests and diseases, all of which are likely to be exacerbated by predicted climate change (IUCN Consultation, 2020d). Such funding should be on-going rather than being subject to regular funding bids. Secure, on-going funding will ensure sufficiently flexible and rapid responses and retention of trained staff. There is a critical need to ensure adequate science capability. As climate change seems to be accelerating, funds to improve monitoring of impacts are urgently needed.
Staff capacity, training and development
The Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) has a small staff focused on policy, planning, community engagement, yellow crazy ant eradication and regulation. Land management activities are undertaken primarily by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships (QPWS&P) and other landholders within the World Heritage site. WTMA allocates approximately 2% of its salaries component each year to staff training and development. WTMA also receives support from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation to access additional training programs where relevant to WTMA staff. Training needs are identified according to capacity-building needs defined in the 10-year strategic plan. With increasing complexity in management, due (in part) to climate change effects, WTMA needs to ensure it maintains access to strong science capabilities. WTMA obtains good value from its Scientific Advisory Committee, Community Consultative Committee, and Indigenous Advisory Committee (a group of individuals with expertise relevant to the Area who advise WTMA on important policy and strategic issues) and external contractors, when required, to bring independent science into management activities and decisions (IUCN Consultation, 2020d).
Education and interpretation programmes
The Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) delivers a range of educational and awareness activities, including regular in-person community engagement at key local events and presentations to school groups. A range of communication products are produced, including regular media releases and e-newsletters. These result in positive coverage across TV, radio, print and online media outlets including interviews with WTMA representatives. WTMA maintains a consistent social media presence with 13,000+ followers across various platforms. WTMA also hosts the biennial Cassowary Awards—the only awards program in Australia to recognise community contributions to World Heritage management. The awards offer an opportunity to share the work undertaken by organisations and individuals who participate in conserving, protecting and raising awareness about the World Heritage site with the broader community. In 2024 the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area Visual Identity Style Guide was developed to ensure consistent and effective World Heritage messaging in signage and interpretive material across the World Heritage site. WTMA continues to collaborate with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships to elevate World Heritage presentation through planned capital works and interpretation projects. The Bama Country and Culture project was launched in 2024 to deliver an online interactive story map to share information and enhance awareness of Rainforest Aboriginal cultures and ongoing connections with the World Heritage site (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Tourism and visitation management
The Wet Tropics Sustainable Tourism Plan 2021-2031 provides a contemporary framework for managing tourism, and the tourism industry is recognised as a key partner in assisting in the interpretation and presentation of the World Heritage site (WTMA, 2022). In partnership with the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation and Tourism and Events Queensland, the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) is developing a new tour guide training program for the World Heritage site, which will enhance World Heritage presentation, interpretation and experience delivery. The Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides (WTWHG) will provide an exemplar model for tour guide training on Queensland’s terrestrial World Heritage sites, enhancing the presentation of natural and cultural values through transformational experience delivery. Close collaboration with tour operators, tourism organisations, and local and state agencies, forms part of the current strategic approach by WTMA to further develop sustainable tourism within the site (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Sustainable use
The remarkable aesthetic and recreational services of the region support a thriving tourism industry. Tourism and recreation bring significant environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits to the Wet Tropics community. In the year ending December 2019, Tropical North Queensland (TNQ) and Townsville saw $4.4 billion in expenditure from visitors staying one night or longer (WTMA, 2021). The Wet Tropics Management Plan controls activities that may adversely impact on World Heritage values within the site. The Wet Tropics Sustainable Tourism Plan 2010 – 2031 (WTMA 2021) provides a contemporary platform for visitation management that embeds the protection and conservation of natural and cultural assets. Through the review of the Wet Tropics Management Plan, the issues surrounding sustainability of tourism practices were addressed, and the Plan has provided increased clarity around what can and cannot happen, while reinforcing the need to protect the site's world heritage values and integrity. Most exploitive uses of natural resources within the site require assessment and a permit by Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) under the Management Plan, with all mining effectively banned. If the uses are likely to have a significant impact on the World Heritage site, additional approval under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is required. Two water supply dams exist within the site at Copperlode Falls and Paluma dam and a hydro-electricity generating dam at Koombooloomba. Eight Local Authorities have 22 water intakes with associated infrastructure. Any new water supply within the World Heritage site would require assessment and a permit under the Management Plan, including those by government. The Management Plan has been recently updated and WTMA will now renew and develop Statutory Guidelines that will address the issue of sustainable use (IUCN Consultation, 2020d).
Monitoring
Under the Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993, the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) must produce a report on the State of the World Heritage site each year. While the 2024 Report provides a review of current information regarding the status and integrity of the Outstanding Universal Value of the Area (WTMA 2024), these typically thematic reports do not convey a strong ongoing monitoring capacity. For example, the 2017/18 report focussed on the 30 year anniversary, which demonstrated the positive changes as a result of the 1988 World Heritage listing; the 2018/19 report - although brief - was more focussed on the condition of the World Heritage site, and drew on various reports to inform the conclusion that "data indicate that the status and conservation outlook has not improved since the 2017 IUCN Outlook Report. There are several significant threats that the World Heritage site continues to face". Given the loss of some tropical rainforest focussed research institutions and the decline in others, today there is a much-reduced capacity to have ongoing consistent monitoring. The Australian Government is currently delivering the National Environment Science program. This program funds environment and climate research. WTMA were involved in negotiations with several institutions and consortiums to ensure that the World Heritage site was a focus of this long-term program. Staff capacity, and funding within WTMA limits how much can be undertaken in-house, however monitoring programs are happening in partnership with the Australian Tropical Herbarium, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services and Partnerships, and a monitoring program with Gimuy Waluburra Yidinji Traditional Custodians and James Cook University (funding dependent). This is consistent with the intentions indicated in the Research Strategy that recognises the need to improve understanding of the condition, trend and interdependencies of the natural and cultural environments (WTMA, 2010). Total amount of investment in monitoring is unclear, and long-term monitoring support has declined (WTMA, 2016). Research funding and investment into fostering ongoing skills in tropical biology has declined significantly in recent years which reduces the quantum of research projects available that could support monitoring. Present monitoring is opportunistic at best despite support from some external researchers in particular areas. In this critical time of climate change it is imperative to ensure high quality monitoring of crucial conditions associated with the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage site.
Research
A research strategy was prepared for the period 2014-2018. There have been significant research partnerships in the past that have benefited the World Heritage site. Reduced focus on tropical rainforest research in local research facilities means capacity has declined in recent times and the absence of a guaranteed funding program means research is opportunistic at best. As the State of Wet Tropics Report 2018/19 (WTMA, 2019) points out, there has been significant decline in research and monitoring of the World Heritage site. Despite previous historical investment in research in the World Heritage site, research funding has significantly declined over recent years. The Australian Government is currently delivering the second phase of the National Environment Science Program (NESP). This program funds environment and climate research, The current NESP phase spans 2020-21 to 2026-27, with a $149 million investment (DCCEEW) (IUCN Consultation, 2024).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
The legislative framework provides an effective framework for control of development that may impact on World Heritage values. Annual reports of WTMA and Terrain NRM indicate that progress is being made in implementing various strategic plans and key projects, but that progress is constrained by limited resources. The financial and personnel commitments deployed for environmental pests, weeds and diseases and the level of urgency in responding do not match the effectiveness in responding to threats to human health and agricultural biosecurity risks (WTMA, 2011). The Australian Government has increased its focus on environmental biosecurity threats through the appointment of the Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer. Funding until 2026 has been provided to address the serious concerns about yellow crazy ant infestations and significant progress has been made toward eradication (IUCN Consultation, 2020a), but there is much more work required. The projected impacts of climate change are a serious concern (see Climate Action). The Climate Adaptation Plan for the Wet Tropics 2020–2030 lists high priorities and recognises that new avenues of funding are needed to support implementation. The projected adverse impacts of climate change on the World Heritage site are dire, and will require extremely active management, collaboration, high responsiveness and flexibility. WTMA has entered into a Partnership Agreement with the Queensland Government's Parks and Wildlife Service and partnerships that includes several key deliverables addressing the threats of climate change. The Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) has also partnered with the Australian Tropical Herbarium, and sub-tropical and cool-climate botanic gardens in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, to collect and record plant species at risk from climate change. Recent funding from the Queensland Government enables the WTMA to support Gimuy Waluburra Yidinji Traditional Custodians and James Cook University researchers to undertake terrestrial refugia health checks that meshes western science and traditional ecological knowledge (IUCN Consultation, 2020d; 2024).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) has built constructive relationships with the eleven local governments which include parts of the World Heritage site and works in partnership with the regional community to build a sense of ownership and sharing the benefits and burdens of sound management. There is a close collaboration with Terrain NRM, the regional natural resources management body that promotes and funds sustainable land management practices in the region, often on land close to the World Heritage site. A broad range of habitat corridor priorities identified in the Wet Tropics Conservation Strategy (WTMA 2024) are incorporated into the Terrain Regional NRM Plan. WTMA is engaged with several local conservation and NRM groups in improving connectivity in the southern Atherton Tablelands to help build resilience to climate change. Given the recent discovery of species that contribute to the Outstanding Universal Value of the site (e.g. the armoured mist frog) in boundary areas, it will be critical to ensure that threats to these newly discovered populations are also addressed and access to lands that hold potential for further rediscovery targeted. The most significant external threat to Outstanding Universal Value of the site from climate change is beyond the capacity of WTMA to manage by itself.
The legislative framework provides an effective framework for control of development that may impact on World Heritage values. Annual reports of WTMA and Terrain NRM indicate that progress is being made in implementing various strategic plans and key projects, but that progress is constrained by limited resources. The financial and personnel commitments deployed for environmental pests, weeds and diseases and the level of urgency in responding do not match the effectiveness in responding to threats to human health and agricultural biosecurity risks. The Australian Government has increased its focus on environmental biosecurity threats through the appointment of the Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer. Funding until 2026 has been provided to address the serious concerns about yellow crazy ant infestations and significant progress has been made toward eradication, but there is more work required. The projected impacts of climate change are a serious concern. The Climate Adaptation Plan for the Wet Tropics 2020–2030 lists high priorities and recognises that new avenues of funding are needed to support implementation. The projected adverse impacts of climate change on the World Heritage site are dire, and will require extremely active management, collaboration, high responsiveness and flexibility. WTMA has entered into a Partnership Agreement with the Queensland Government's Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships that includes several key deliverables addressing the threats of climate change. The Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) has also partnered with the Australian Tropical Herbarium, and sub-tropical and cool-climate botanic gardens in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, to collect and record plant species at risk from climate change. Recent funding from the Queensland Government enables the WTMA to support Gimuy Waluburra Yidinji Traditional Custodians and James Cook University researchers to undertake terrestrial refugia health checks that meshes western science and traditional ecological knowledge.
Superlative natural beauty
Low Concern
Trend
Stable
Despite the threats to biodiversity, and the fragmented nature of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area, and increased internal and external pressures on scenic values, it is still an area of outstanding natural beauty (WTMA, 2017, WTMA 2024). Codes of practice apply to Local Government and utility agencies that seek to minimise impacts from maintenance of community infrastructure. Whilst extreme weather events such as cyclone Yasi in 2011 have dramatic visual impacts through extensive damage to vegetation, these effects are part of the natural cycle and are comparatively short-lived. Increased frequency of extreme weather events (as anticipated) will lead to more impacts on superlative natural beauty. The record-breaking flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023, included widespread landslides and scouring of river courses in the World Heritage site. Visual amenity concerns have been raised by the community about the proposed placement of wind farms in upland rainforest areas adjacent to the World Heritage site.
Living examples of ancient and primitive rainforest species
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
An assessment of the current state is that there has been some loss or alteration of the elements necessary to maintain the World Heritage site’s values over the 37 years since the site was listed, specifically with respect to frogs, notably the genus Taudactylus, one of the most primitive groups of frogs in Australia. Both Wet Tropics species are now presumed extinct after extensive surveys (WTMA, 2016). The trend over the last five years is still considered to be deteriorating for 6 of 8 spp. of endemic rainforest stream-dwelling frogs. There are strong indications that cool adapted upland possum species, such as the ancient lineage green ringtail possum, the lemuroid ringtail possum, and others as well as high altitude birds such as golden bowerbird are being adversely impacted by existing changes in climatic conditions (WTMA, 2016). The dramatic loss of a high proportion of the spectacled flying fox population due to extreme heat in the 2018 summer highlights the immediate concerns for this keystone species. The population has dramatically declined in the World Heritage site since its inscription (less than 10% remain). For many plants, the assessment rating would be ‘data deficient’ – there is no evidence, nor data, which indicates that their condition or conservation status has changed since inscription (IUCN Consultation, 2014). However, 13 of 19 montane endemic plants with sufficient data to model are projected to be extinct by 2080, and likely all montane endemic plants qualify as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List Criteria (Costion, 2014). Data needs to be collected over a longer period to detect trends in most of the elements relating to this value (i.e. living examples of ancient and primitive rainforest species of plants). A re-evaluation of the EPBC and Red List status of reptiles and amphibians is proceeding at present, and the process identified Montane reptiles and amphibians as at risk. Given these trends, it is clear this value is deteriorating.
Unique rainforest ecosystems
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
The region is very susceptible to invasion by a broad range of invasive species. The highly restricted nature of many endemic species renders them particularly vulnerable to the threat posed by invasive species. This threat is exacerbated by the predicted adverse impacts of climate change, as well as on-going fragmentation of the site and consequent loss of habitat connectivity (WTMA, 2012). However, even though there are over 500 invasive species recorded as being naturalised for the bioregion, most of these are ruderal in nature and only invade cleared or highly disturbed areas such as road verges and agricultural lands. There are a small number of invasive species that are capable of invading intact rainforests, such as yellow crazy ants. There has been a disturbing trend of species with the potential to invade and transform intact ecosystems becoming introduced to the bioregion. Some of these newly emerging threats include plant species such as Miconia and fish species such as tilapia. The trends for some threatened species seem to be deteriorating, despite recovery and action plans. There is great concern for amphibian species within the property, although declines in range extent and population sizes of several high-altitude bird and mammal species have also been identified (WTMA, 2019; William and De La Fuente, 2021). In addition, if the number and distribution of invasive species including pathogens continue to increase, natural ongoing evolutionary processes are likely to be compromised. Although many biodiversity values are being well conserved in the site, the growing trend of increasing prevalence of global threats is of concern (IUCN Consultation, 2014).
Exceptional biodiversity
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
There are significant threats to the biodiversity of the World Heritage site posed by invasive species and diseases, exacerbated by current and projected changes in climate. Some of these are hard to manage and there is evidence that the number of weed species is expanding (WTMA, 2019). Within the World Heritage site there has been no significant loss of habitat such as the littoral rainforest. There may be losses outside of the site and this may impact on dependent species such as the Cassowary and Mahogany glider, which could reduce conservation values of the World Heritage site. There is no evidence of cassowary population decline, with populations appearing stable. Habitat protection and rehabilitation of the Wet Tropics rainforest has reduced ongoing habitat loss of the cassowary. Endemic stream-dwelling frog species have disappeared from the higher altitude parts of the World Heritage site due to infection with chytrid fungus resulting in chytridiomycosis (IUCN Consultation, 2014). The yellow crazy ant has become established in a target area of some 2000 ha within and adjacent to the World Heritage site. However, there is now significant progress towards local eradication (which remains a feasible outcome) with funds committed until 2026 (WTMA, 2019, 2024), although the success of this eradication program will need to be seen, as there remains a degree of complexity in obtaining eradication. This includes some uncertainty about the geographic extent of YCA infestations, although WTMA has significantly increased survey efforts outside of the known infestation area (IUCN Consultation, 2020d). Significant concern exists about the limited understanding of population changes within many endemic species. For example, although limited monitoring of some species of birds has given an early warning of concern, very few species are included and there is no ongoing program to either continue monitoring some indicator species or expand monitoring into other species that anecdotal evidence suggests are declining.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Deteriorating
Invasive plant and animal pest species along with several pathogens are adversely impacting on World Heritage values. The trends for some threatened species are deteriorating, despite recovery and action plans. The greatest concern is for montane species restricted to the upland rainforests (birds, mammals, plants) within the World Heritage site. Several Lepidoptera and other invertebrates are altitudinal specialists, and it would be reasonable to assume high risk to these taxa also. Despite significant management responsiveness, given the sheer number and diversity of newly emerging threats (biosecurity, as well as the postulated negative effects of climate change per se, and the interactions of climate change with other threatening processes), it is reasonable to assess the trend as declining.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important biodiversity values
Low Concern
Stable
Irreplaceability remains extremely high but is threatened as part of the overall threats to Outstanding Universal Value.
Additional information
Carbon sequestration,
Soil stabilisation,
Water provision (importance for water quantity and quality),
Pollination
The rainforest acts as a significant carbon sink, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions. It also provides soil stabilisation and provides a clean water supply to the local region. The Wet Tropics forests are also critical for ensuring high water quality to reduce nutrient and sediment flow to the Great Barrier Reef.
Importance for research,
Contribution to education
The Wet Tropics is an area of high biodiversity which makes the ecosystems of this site important for scientific research and in turn education about the values and management of the area and other rainforests.
Outdoor recreation and tourism,
Natural beauty and scenery
The Wet Tropics site provides the local population with the public goods of clean air and water, giving them health and wellbeing benefits. The area is widely accessed for outdoor recreation, and is visited extensively by domestic and international tourists. The Wet Tropics is a large area that provides great, aesthetically beautiful landscapes as well as opportunities to view wildlife and ancient plant species.
History and tradition,
Sacred natural sites or landscapes,
Sacred or symbolic plants or animals,
Cultural identity and sense of belonging
The Wet Tropics World Heritage site is culturally rich, comprising the traditional lands of more than 20 Rainforest Aboriginal groups. The Wet Tropics of Queensland is an area of immense cultural importance for rainforest Aboriginal people. It is included on the National Heritage List for Indigenous Cultural values. The site also holds wilderness values that are inherently important for many people.
The Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area provides very substantial environmental cultural, spiritual, health, wellbeing and economic benefits to the local population and is of considerable significance to the wider global community in terms of wilderness values, outdoor recreation, scientific research value and the environmental services provided by the rainforest and other forest ecosystems.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wet Tropics Management Authority | The Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program endeavours to manage and eradicate yellow crazy ant infestations in and adjacent to the Wet Tropics World Heritage site to maintain the site’s Outstanding Universal Value. This programme is co-funded by the Australian and Queensland governments. |
https://www.wettropics.gov.au/our-battle-plan
https://www.wettropics.gov.au/site/user-assets/Enews10.pdf
|
| 2 | Australian Tropical Herbarium | The Australian Tropical Herbarium are leading a plant rescue project to collect and record mountain top plant species at risk from climate change By combining data from existing collections with extensive new field survey data for species distribution modelling analyses and climate tolerance experiments, researchers are predicting the impact of climate change on the rare and endemic plant species of Australia’s tropical mountain tops, and taking precautionary action to secure them in ex-situ living collections in partnership with the National Botanic Gardens, Western Yalanji Traditional Owners, the Wet Tropics Management Authority, the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Cairns Botanic Gardens. | |
| 3 | Wet Tropics Management Authority | This project delivered the Wet Tropics Sustainable Tourism Plan 2021-2031 which provides a strategic framework that brings together Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples, the tourism industry, the conservation sector, and partner agencies to develop a sustainable and resilient future for tourism in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The plan provides strategies and actions delivered with partners and focused around six key goals: Respect for Country and people, Rainforest Aboriginal tourism aspirations, Building awareness through consistent messaging and branding, Increased community involvement and advocacy, Well-trained, professional tour guides and Collaborative visitor management |
https://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/grants-and-funding/australian-heritage-grants/2018-19
https://www.wettropics.gov.au/SustainableTourismPlan
|
| 4 | Dawal Wuru Aboriginal Corporation | The project will develop a living cultural landscape atlas, cultural landscape heritage management plan and communication products including using 3D animation technology to bring Yirrganydji Indigenous stories and languages to life. |
https://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/grants-and-funding/australian-heritage-grants/2018-19
|
| 5 | Girringun Aboriginal Corporation | This project developed a new draft management plan for the 2012 National Heritage Listed Indigenous cultural values of the Wet Tropics of Queensland. The draft is currently dormant and will require FPIC to be progressed. Project activities will deliver Indigenous spatial identities mapping pilots, support existing and emerging cultural values management systems, develop cultural values capacity, update Intellectual Cultural Property Kit and progress a Wet Tropics cultural landscape nomination on the Queensland Heritage Register. |
https://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/grants-and-funding/australian-heritage-grants/2019-20
|
| 6 | Mamu Aboriginal Corporation | This community-driven project will enable Mamu to develop protocols, undertake recordings of significant sites and catalogue important cultural information held in private collections. Outcomes will include community control of Intellectual Property, preservation assessments of important cultural sites including rare and threatened rainforest dendroglyphs. Training will be provided by an experienced archivist using qualitative and systematic implementation of standards and metadata that is suitable for migration into any preferred Collection Management Systems (CMS) databases used by state and national institutions. This project will significantly strengthen the capacity of Mamu RNTBC to protect their cultural assets. |
https://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/grants-and-funding/australian-heritage-grants/2019-20
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| 7 | Cairns Aquarium & Reef Research Centre Pty Ltd | This interactive and interpretive display will provide an immersive experience to its 450,000 visitors each year on the key natural values of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. It will use varying forms from 2D, 3D, digital and interactive display formats that will tell the story of how the Wet Tropics formed, the processes and events that shaped it, the biodiversity and endemism found in it, the valuable research that can be learned from the area and the importance of the aesthetic characteristics of the area. |
https://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/grants-and-funding/australian-heritage-grants/2019-20
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| 8 | NQ NRM Alliance Ltd | This project aims to increase the extent, condition and connectivity of habitat for Mahogany Gliders, Broadleaf Tea Tree Ecological Community (EC) and Ant Plants. Habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation and alteration are some of the largest threats to Mahogany Gliders' habitat including areas of Broadleaf Tea Tree EC and Ant Plant populations. This project will aim to address these threats through working with the Mahogany Glider Recovery Team, Traditional Owners, landholders and the community to increase the extent and connectivity of Mahogany Glider habitat through revegetation of priority corridors and improvement to the condition of existing habitat through the management of weeds and implementation of appropriate fire regimes. In addition, this project will implement a Mahogany Glider population monitoring program which will track the species' trajectory and inform future on ground actions to ensure priority threats are strategically and effectively addressed. Proximity to the Wet Tropics World Heritage site is taken into account when making decisions on sites for this project. Investing in areas adjacent to the World Heritage site enables expansion of Mahogany Glider habitat in in strategic locations. Bolstering Mahogany Glider habitat within and adjacent to the World Heritage site is critical to the protection of this endemic species, with endemic marsupial species listed in the Wet Tropics World Heritage site statement of Outstanding Universal Value. |
http://www.nrm.gov.au/system/files/resources/683a3fe8-0142-4eda-8a6b-5594de0403af/files/rlp-project-listing-2020.pdf
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| 9 | NQ NRM Alliance Ltd | This project will improve the trajectory and/or condition of Southern Cassowary, Mabi Forest and Littoral Rainforest. Habitat loss and fragmentation, degradation by invasive weeds and cassowary vehicle strike are key threats to Cassowary, Mabi Forest and Littoral Rainforest. This project will work with the Cassowary, Mabi and Littoral rainforest recovery teams/groups, Traditional Owners, landholders and the community to design, implement and monitor activities that increase the extent, connectivity and condition of rainforest habitat in priority locations, focusing on where the greatest outcome can be achieved for multiple priority species and ecological communities and reduce invasive species threats adjacent to the Wet Tropics World Heritage site. Outcomes will be achieved through revegetation, weed management, habitat protection and cassowary vehicle strike solutions in agreed priority locations in the landscape. |
http://www.nrm.gov.au/system/files/resources/683a3fe8-0142-4eda-8a6b-5594de0403af/files/rlp-project-listing-2020.pdf
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| 10 | NQ NRM Alliance Ltd | This project has been designed to address several of the threats which effect Northern Bettongs in areas beyond protected estate. These threats impact upon the habitat condition and include inappropriate fire and grazing management. As Northern Bettong recovery actions completed to date, have primarily been focused in areas within protected estate and conservation reserves, there has been limited landholder engagement. Consequently, there are very few established relationships with landholders and the degree to which others may be willing to participate is largely unknown. This project will focus on addressing this challenge by engaging with landholders within Northern Bettong habitat. On ground delivery aspects of this project will be prioritised based on the opportunities which arise from the Traditional Owner and landholder engagement processes and by those which will deliver the greatest benefit to the Northern Bettong as determined by the Northern Bettong Recovery Team. This project will primarily deliver habitat management outcomes on Freehold tenure. Co-investment and/or in-kind contribution will be required from landholders but will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Habitat management outcomes will be delivered in collaboration with Traditional Owners and in a manner, which increases their capacity to implement appropriate fire regimes. |
http://www.nrm.gov.au/system/files/resources/683a3fe8-0142-4eda-8a6b-5594de0403af/files/rlp-project-listing-2020.pdf
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| 11 | Wet Tropics Management Authority, Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples and Sharing Stories Foundation | Delivered in collaboration with Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples and Sharing Stories Foundation, WTMA launched the Rainforest People Country Culture interactive story map in November 2024 as part of the Bama Country and Culture Project to share information and enhance awareness of Rainforest Aboriginal cultures and ongoing connections with the World Heritage site. |
https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/country-culture-map/
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| 12 | Wet Tropics Management Authority, Yirrganydji traditional owners | The project will develop a living cultural landscape atlas, cultural landscape heritage management plan and communication products including using 3D animation technology to bring Yirrganydji Indigenous stories and languages to life. | |
| 13 | BirdLife Northern Queensland Branch and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. | An extension of earlier bird monitoring work within the rainforests, mainly in Wooroonooran, involving regular/periodic assessment of presence and abundance of bird species. Led by Dr Ceridwen Pearce. Surveys conducted by experienced birders and targetting ongoing sites to enable extension of the Williams et al data sets to current times. There has been a separate project surveying two high altitude bowerbird species through monitoring of bowers or courts (Golden Bowerbirds, Tooth-billed Bowerbird). This is led by Dominic Chaplin. | |
| 14 | Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Queensland Reef Water Quality Program, Ngadjon-Jii Traditional Custodians, Wet Tropics Management Authority | Current Reef Assist Program conducting revegetation and management of riparian areas in the Southern Atherton Tableland. This project, aimed at improving water quality for the Great Barrier Reef will also increase habitat and landscape connectivity in agricultural landscapes to allow for species movement into climate refugial areas. |
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