About CAFNEC

Key Functions
CAFNEC's achievements
CAFNEC Finances
CAFNEC Corporate Sponsorship Policy
CAFNEC Strategic Plan 2009 - 2014

The Cairns and Far North Environment Centre Inc. (CAFNEC) is a not-for-profit organization that was formed in 1981 by concerned members of the Far North Queensland community seeking better protection for Far North Queensland's natural environment. CAFNEC is operated from one of the most well know cultural and historical buildings in Cairns, Cominos House, located close to the Flecker Botanic Gardens. Since CAFNEC's establishment it has been the focal point for environmental action and education in the region.

CAFNEC's geographic range of interest stretches from Cardwell in the south to the Torres Straits in the north and the Gulf of Carpenteria in the west. This region includes three World Heritage areas including the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. CAFNEC plays an important role within the broader environmental movement, collaborating with other organisations focusing on environmental issues of state and national importance.

CAFNEC employs three part-time staff, a Coordinator, a Campaigner and an Administrative Officer, as well as relying heavily on the work and dedication of volunteers and supporters. A Management Committee of nine volunteers oversees the operations and running of the organisation. The Management Committee is elected at an Annual General Meeting open to all members. CAFNEC and its members also serve as the peak body for other community-based environment groups in Far North Queensland. CAFNEC invites anyone with an interest in the environment and who is willing to abide by the terms of our constitution to become a member. Membership entitles you to participate fully in the decision-making of the organization as well a quarterly copy of Ecotone, CAFNEC's newsletter.

CAFNEC's key functions include:

• Campaigning for the FNQ environment - everything from grass roots activism to political lobbying at a local, State and Federal level;
• Representing environmental interests in the Far North region to tourism, agricultural/industry and other sectors of the community;
• Providing communication services for the region's environment movement;
• Sponsoring grants for projects and research on matters relating to the region's environment;
• Maintaining an easily accessible community library and resource centre with materials relating to environmental issues;
• Aiding the establishment of, and providing support to, like-minded local organizations;
• Raising awareness and understanding of environmental issues to members and the wider community.

CAFNEC's achievements to date include:

• World Heritage listing of the tropical rainforests of FNQ - known as the 'wet tropics' - in the late 1980's following a long campaign in which CAFNEC was a leading force.
• Participation in the development of twenty-five year plan for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
• Successful resistance to a government proposal to construct a 'Tully-Millstream dam' and associated hydroelectric scheme, which would have drowned some key habitats within and adjacent to World Heritage forests
• Involvement in the development of the Cape York Peninsula Land Use Strategy (CYPLUS)
• Revegetation work at Woree in conjunction with the Mulgrave Shire Council
• Initiating Cairns Urban
• Establishing Australia's only regional Environmental Defenders Office (EDO).
• Successfully opposing the broadscale development of East Trinity Inlet and further protecting the Inlet through participation in the Trinity Inlet Management Program.
• Establishing a public awareness program, 'Walks and Talks'
• Publication of 'Ecotone', CAFNEC's quality quarterly newsletter, over nearly two decades

CAFNEC Finances

CAFNEC's funding comes from a variety of sources including an annual Commonwealth grant, an annual State grant, , memberships, donations and fundraising. Three quarters of the money is spent on wages and superannuation of part-time staff. One fifth goes on the many other costs of running the office. For the 2002/2003 year, CAFNEC received $4 000 from the Federal Government and $16 000 from the State Government as core funding. In 2003 the Federal Government reduced the Grants to Voluntary Environment and Heritage Organisations funding $1.5 million to just under $1 million dollars, with all regional groups receiving only $4 000.

In recent years there has been a similar order of income and expenditure on projects funded by special purpose grants. Grants come from foundations and government agencies. Size has ranged from $1 000 to $23 000. Subjects have included rehabilitation in the Cairns Central Swamp; Reef Monitoring; Reef Education; Gulf of Carpentaria Rivers Assessment and public education; Envirofiesta performance art and event organisation; library cataloguing and equipment. Every project completed so far has been acquitted to the satisfaction of the grantor.

CAFNEC Corporate Sponsorship Policy

1. CAFNEC accepts and encourages unsolicited donations, provided there are no conditions attached which conflict with CAFNEC's policies or objects.
2. CAFNEC may solicit donations from corporations for fundraising purposes, provided there are no conditions attached which conflict with CAFNEC's policies or objects.
3. The CAFNEC Management Committee may refuse or return a donation from a source which potentially conflicts with CAFNEC's policies or objects.
4. CAFNEC may participate in an organisation which is involved in sponsorship, provided that CAFNEC does not become directly linked with a sponsor.
5. Receipt and acknowledgment of contributions to fundraising events is not considered sponsorship. Fair reward for work done is not considered sponsorship, (eg. Organisation of public consultation).
6. CAFNEC shall not allow its name or logo or opinion to be published in promotion or endorsement of any company, product or service.
7. CAFNEC shall not exhibit company or product identification except at fundraising events or trade events and their associated advertising, or CAFNEC's publications.
8. The Treasurer shall report any receipt of over $500 from a corporate entity to the Management Committee and to the next AGM.

CAFNEC Strategic Plan 2009 - 2014

The current Strategic Plan outline can be viewed here.

Acknowledgements

CAFNEC would like to thank Steven Nowakowski, Kerry Trapnell and Barry Traill for use of their photographs on our web site. CAFNEC would also like to acknowledge the many other individuals, conservation groups and agencies who have helped contribute information towards this web site.