“The proposed action is clearly unacceptable because of the potential impacts on the endangered southern cassowary and its habitat.”

– Mr Peter Garrett, Federal Environment Minister 2007-2010

Lot 66, known as the “Garrett Corridor,” is a vital stretch of rainforest in Mission Beach that connects key cassowary habitats.

In 2007, a development application proposed subdividing the 24.5-hectare site into 40 residential lots. This plan threatened to disrupt a crucial habitat corridor for the endangered southern cassowary, connecting the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area to coastal wetlands.

Recognising its significance for cassowary movement and local biodiversity, C4 led efforts to prevent development on this land.

C4 reached out to then Environment Minister and Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett, whose support helped to bring national attention to the campaign. 

“Having carefully considered the likely impact of this proposed development, and the fact that even strict conditions would not be sufficient to protect the essential cassowary habitat on which the developer was proposing to build, I came to the view that I had no choice but to use my powers under the Act to rule out this proposal completely.”  – Mr Peter Garret, Federal Environment Minister 2007-2010

After Peter Garrett halted development plans for Lot 66, the Community for Coastal and Cassowary Conservation (C4) launched an initiative to buy back the land from the developer. Recognising Lot 66 as a critical habitat corridor, C4 highlighted the urgent need to restore and protect this land for cassowaries and other wildlife.

C4’s case underscored the area’s ecological importance, noting frequent cassowary sightings by residents and the field study confirming the corridor’s value for these endangered birds. Supporting the initiative, the Mission Beach Habitat Network Action Plan outlined strategies to enhance habitat connectivity and ensure native animal movement across the area.

C4 actively engaged the community and government leaders, securing public pledges, including support from the Mayor and council members. They raised over $80,000 in their Land Buyback Fund and sought matching funds from government sources to strengthen their buy-back campaign. The organisation also encouraged community members to support the buy-back by writing to federal agencies and Minister Burke.

In 2011, due to a key partnership with Queensland Trust for Nature (QTFN), C4 successfully purchased Lot 66 back from developers, preventing its conversion into a residential subdivision. In 2018, the area was officially declared a nature refuge, ensuring its permanent protection, safeguarding its ecological significance, and preserving its role as a critical wildlife corridor. QTFN’s involvement was instrumental in securing the initial purchase, the nature refuge designation and supporting the ongoing revegetation of this protected habitat.