Skyrail Rainforest Foundation supports Cyclone Larry Research
2nd October 2006

The Skyrail Rainforest Foundation is pleased to announce a $50,000 commitment towards the funding of several research initiatives, to be collectively known as the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation Cyclone Larry Project.

The research is focused on the impacts of Severe Tropical Cyclone Larry on the biophysical and socio-economic aspects of Australia's Tropical Rainforests.

The Skyrail Rainforest Foundation (SRF) funding will help support ten (10) studies, with a specific focus on the impacts on flora and fauna, ecosystem recovery, revegetation, and ongoing management programs for Australia's Tropical Rainforests.

Lake Eacham post-Cyclone Larry. Picture courtesy of CSIRO.

SFF camp in Innisfail post-Cyclone Larry. Picture courtesy of CSIRO.

The research works will be primarily undertaken by the Tropical Landscapes Joint Venture (TLJV), which is an alliance between the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and James Cook University (JCU).

Dr Ken Chapman, Chairman of the SRF, said this funding announcement represented the first stage of the SRF's financial commitment to its ongoing support of tropical rainforest research and education projects.

"The Skyrail Rainforest Foundation is a not for profit organisation, committed to raising and distributing funds to support tropical rainforest research and education projects worldwide," Dr Chapman said.

"Thanks to the generous support of the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation's corporate and private contributors, we are able provide invaluable funding for critical rainforest research works, such as the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation Cyclone Larry Project," he said. "We welcome and encourage individuals and organisations wanting to make a real contribution to the protection, understanding and appreciation of our tropical rainforests, to contact the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation today."

"The studies we are supporting through the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation Cyclone Larry Project specifically focus on the effects of Severe Tropical Cyclone Larry on the fauna and flora of Australia's Tropical Rainforests and their recovery."

"The Skyrail Rainforest Foundation is very pleased to support these important scientific research projects, which will provide invaluable knowledge and insight into the effects of severe tropical cyclones on Australia's Tropical Rainforests."

Professor Steve Turton, Director of the TLJV, said the SRF's funding was critical to ensuring these research projects could proceed, and would lead to international recognition of the high quality science conducted in Tropical North Queensland.

Dr Ken Chapman, Chairman, SRF and Professor Steve Turton, Director, TLJV at the funding announcement.

Dr Ken Chapman, Chairman SRF, at the Cyclone Larry Project media announcement.

"The studies being conducted under the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation Cyclone Larry Project represent a unique opportunity to obtain a good understanding of the effects of a significant cyclone on a tropical rainforest landscape."

The Skyrail Rainforest Foundation Cyclone Larry Project represents the first stage in long-term strategic research, which will provide scientific input to government and industry with respect to immediate and long-term community development and natural resource management issues.

The Skyrail Rainforest Foundation's ability to provide funding to tropical rainforest research and education projects, is reliant on corporate and private donations. All donations over AUD$2.00 are tax deductible.

For more information on the Skyrail Rainforest Foundation Cyclone Larry Project, please contact Skyrail’s Communications Manager, Julie Bosanquet, on email julie.bosanquet@skyrail.com.au or visit www.skyrailfoundation.org.