Green group Rainforest Rescue is appealing in the Planning and Environment Court a decision by Douglas Shire Council to reject a project to reforest a large tract of inactive farmland on the southern side of the Daintree River. 

The next step in the appeals process is for the environmental group and the DSC to take part in mediation talks across coming months in an effort to come to some sort of agreement without having to go to court.

Rainforest Rescue general manager Tate Brammer said this week he still hoped the two parties could work something out during the mediation talks so both parties could avoid any expensive court cases.

The appeal, lodged with the Brisbane-based court, is in relation to the council’s decision to “partially refuse a development application for a development permit for a material change of use for a permanent plantation” at 110 Cape Tribulation Road and Cape Tribulation Road, Lower Daintree, according to the Notice of Appeal document.

Rainforest Rescue wants the DSC decision to be set aside by the Queensland Planning and Environment Court and replaced with a “decision to approve the whole development application”.

The April council meeting heard that much of the about 400ha tract of land is unsuitable for cropping due to flooding issues, with some of it not being farmed for about 10 years, and since the demise of cane farming in the region, there is no known viable crop which can be farmed there anyway.

Rainforest Rescue currently employs 10 people in the region and wants to employ more workers to help reforest the floodplain, and there is also much support in the region from landowners and Daintree Village locals.

Mr Brammer said in April the council decision was “disappointing and surprising”.

“This was a terrific project,” Mr Brammer said.

“We’re bringing in external funding and investment, so we’re boosting the local economy.

“It overwhelmingly was supported by the community, so there were 40 letters of support that were provided.