Media Release 10 Sept 2023
A capacity crowd filled the verandahs of Ninney Rise on Saturday 7th September to meet acclaimed author and historian Iain McCalman for the launch of his latest book, John Büsst - bohemian artist and saviour of reefs and rainforests.
 Iain McCalman and Friends of Ninney Rise committee member Sandal Hayes | The Friends of Ninney Rise hosted more than 100 guests for the book Launch and Forum event at the Queensland Heritage listed home built by John Büsst in 1959. Once used as a meeting place for reef and rainforest campaigners and scientists including Prime Minister Harold Holt, poet Judith Wright, and ecologist Len Webb, Ninney Rise was again alive with reef and rainforest discussion. The event included a forum of inspiring speakers, including Traditional Owners, pioneering marine researchers, various conservationists and local school students who provided a much-welcome youth perspective. |
 Friends of Ninney Rise president Terry Carmichael said the event was taking place on hallowed ground, adding, “The seeds that were sewn at Ninney Rise during the Save the Reef campaign in the 1960’s and early 1970s grew to the eventual declaration of both the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage areas” |  |
Guests travelled from as far as Canberra and Brisbane including Eddie Hegerl, marine scientist and friend to John Büsst whose report was pivotal to the successful court case against lime mining of Ellison Reef in 1967.
| The speakers at the forum titled ‘Hopes for the future of the Wet Tropics reefs and forests’ acknowledged the grim predictions for the future of the Wet Tropics reefs and forests with a consensus there is an urgent need for long term and coordinated planning by all levels of government to address the overwhelming consequences of global warming. Iain McCalman’s inspiring biography outlines the extraordinary achievements of John Büsst. Written on the back cover of the book is a reminder that “the passionate commitment of ordinary citizens is crucial to achieving truly transformative environmental change” The Wet Tropics Management Authority team who attended the event described John Büsst as an unsung hero. “John Büsst was the kind of person who made a difference. The guest speakers convinced us that they are too, and reminded us that we all have a role to play in protecting the future of this special part of the world, and these neighbouring World Heritage Areas” |  Eddie Hegerl - friend of John Busst with 1967 Ellison Reef report |
Photos above by Kerry Trapnell
Photos above by Steven Nowakowski
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