URGENT CLIMATE CRISIS APPEAL: RESTORE HABITAT & PREVENT FLASH FLOODING
Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change, making it critical to build resilience in our natural landscapes. Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred was the first cyclone to make landfall in southeast Queensland in over 70 years. With wind gusts of up to 125 km/h and over 500 mm of rainfall in some areas, the damage to the environment has been devastating. High winds uprooted habitat trees, and flash flooding stripped away vegetation, causing severe erosion and leaving wildlife without shelter or food sources.
(Image source: NSW SES)
(Map: Showing the many creeks and streams that converge in Lismore)
THE PROBLEM
Flash flooding has worsened due to intense rainfall and the loss of rainforest vegetation in catchment areas. Deforested land cannot absorb water efficiently, leading to rapid runoff and more severe flooding.
Decades of land clearing have removed 99 percent of subtropical rainforests in southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales. This destruction has left threatened wildlife with nowhere to go, and floodplain rainforests are now classified as an endangered ecological community.
(Image: Early cedar cutters harvesting 'Red Gold' (Red Cedar) in the Big Scrub, a practice that led to rapid deforestation in the 19th century. Source: RTRL)
THE SOLUTION
To prevent further habitat loss and mitigate climate change, we must restore rainforests now. Trees play a vital role in:
- Absorbing and gradually releasing rainfall to reduce flooding
- Providing food and shelter for endangered wildlife
- Capturing carbon to combat climate change
Your donation will directly fund habitat restoration, waterway revegetation, and tree planting projects.
HOW YOUR DONATION HELPS
- $10 plants one tree
- $50 plants five trees
- $100 plants ten trees
- $1,000 plants and maintains 100 rainforest trees
WHAT WE'RE DOING
Through the Rainforest Rangers program, we are actively restoring rainforest ecosystems by:
- Replanting habitat for wildlife and restoring subtropical rainforest ecosystems
- Revegetating waterways to slow floodwaters, stabilise creek banks, and improve water quality
- Planting trees in water catchments to reduce runoff and flood risks
- Removing invasive weeds to allow native species to thrive
- Providing ongoing maintenance to ensure long-term survival of planted trees
With your support, our teams—including local Aboriginal rangers and contractors—are ready to expand these efforts.
BENEFITS FOR THREATENED SPECIES
Among the 25 threatened species that will benefit from this project are:
- Birds: Wompoo Fruit-dove, Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Albert's Lyrebird, Glossy Black-cockatoo
- Mammals: Koalas, Red-legged Pademelons, Spotted-tailed Quolls, several bat species
- Amphibians and Reptiles: Loveridge's Frog, Pouched Frog, Stephen's Banded Snake
HOW DONATED FUNDS ARE USED
Your contributions will directly fund:
- Tree propagation and nursery operations
- Site preparation and planting
- Three years of maintenance to ensure survival
FOCUS: LISMORE & THE BIG SCRUB RAINFOREST
The Big Scrub Rainforest in Northern NSW has been reduced by 99 percent due to land clearing. Once spanning 75,000 hectares, this critical ecosystem must be restored to prevent future flash flooding and biodiversity loss.
More than 200,000 trees have already been planted with the help of volunteers, land managers, farmers, and community groups. Now, we need to scale up efforts.
INDIGENOUS COLLABORATION
We proudly support the Madhima Gulgan Community Association, whose bush regeneration team plays a crucial role in tree planting and maintenance. We also work closely with Landcare and other community organisations to ensure long-term conservation success.
ACT NOW
Climate change is accelerating, and extreme weather events are intensifying. While reducing fossil fuel emissions is essential, restoring forests is one of the most effective ways to draw down excess carbon and mitigate climate impacts.
A healthy rainforest strengthens ecosystems, protects wildlife, and reduces the risk of devastating floods.
Help restore the landscape before the next extreme weather event.
Donate now to restore our rainforests, protect wildlife, and combat climate change.