13.02.2006

Crane driver dies in fall

Crane driver and manager Dick Cooper, aged 63, died in an accident at the Australian Canopy Crane site at Cape Tribulation in the world heritage listed Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, Australia

The Australian Canopy Crane is a joint venture between James Cook and Griffith Universities, and is used by scientists researching rainforests and climate change.

The crane is a 48.5 metre high Liebherr 91 EC freestanding tower crane with a jib length of 55 metres, capable of allowing researchers access via a hook mounted “gondola” to about one hectare of pristine tropical rainforest.
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A conopy crane

Exactly how Cooper fell to his death has still not been reported, the crane could be operated form the Gondola, essentially a suspended work platform. He may have fallen from their or from the crane itself. He was found under the crane by his wife.
"Rainforest researchers from around the world have ridden in the gondola with Dick and will be shocked and saddened by his death," said Professor Nigel Stork.
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The gondola of the Australian canopy crane

"Dick, along with his wife Laurel, has been family to us and a valued member of the rainforest research community," Stork said. "We extend our deepest sympathy to Laurel and her family."