People Raise Millions to Save a Home for Rare Animals
Wednesday, November 4, 2026217 words3 minutes268 reads
A fundraising campaign could turn Wooroora, a Queensland cattle station, into a nature reserve. Its more than 20,000 hectares span rainforest, open woodland and tall eucalyptus forests. Southern cassowaries, tree-kangaroos and koalas occur there, alongside other wildlife; at least 12 threatened animal species have been recorded on the property.
Bush Heritage Australia hopes to purchase the land before future development can damage it. By late October, supporters had donated more than A$19 million towards a target of A$24.7 million by December 24. The funding would cover acquisition and the first five years of management. Nevertheless, fundraising remains unfinished and ownership has not transferred to the group.
The potential benefits extend beyond the property's boundaries. Wooroora adjoins Yourka reserve, so protecting it could strengthen a connected landscape. Wildlife corridors allow animals to move between habitats to feed, reproduce or escape adverse conditions. Such mobility can become especially valuable when changing weather makes existing habitat hotter or drier.
The proposal also carries cultural significance. Wooroora lies on Jirrbal traditional lands, where private ownership has restricted access to some important places. Elder Kurt Noble said his great-grandmother was born there, yet he could not visit until recently. Bush Heritage says it has consulted Jirrbal representatives; community members hope to participate in caring for the land and safeguarding culturally important places.
