Walsh River
Photo © Boris Saraber

The Walsh River is yet another northern river currently faced with destruction from the mining industry.

A development proposed by Tableland, Earthmoving and Raw Materials P/L (TERM) is threatening the health of the Walsh River and the rural community of Dimbulah (145km west of Cairns). TERM proposes to clear vegetation and remove large sand bars and islands that are a crucial part of the functioning ecosystem for the extraction of sand from over four kilometres of the Walsh River.

This destructive process is planned to continue over a 10 year period and would strip the water way of habitat for wildlife including more than 25 listed species under the Environmental Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The islands destined for destruction provide vital breeding and nesting grounds for fresh water crocodiles, platypus and turtles. They also provide a safe nursery for other aquatic life during seasonal floods and protect the area from erosion.

In the hot dry area of the tablelands, river systems are the lifeblood of the community. Much of the area surrounding the development site is occupied by farmers who rely on a healthy river system for their survival. The Walsh River also provides valuable resources to indigenous people residing downstream. Any adverse impact to the river health and ecology will heavily impact these communities. In their development application TERM fails to even discuss potential threats to these communities.

Wildlife Queensland has submitted their comments to Tablelands Regional Council on TERM’s development application. Wildlife Queensland also forwarded their concerns to the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and the Federal Environment Minister.

Precious wildlife found on the Walsh River
Photo © Boris Saraber

Wildlife Queensland has recently been informed by the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) that the concurrence response for this development has been extended until 30 November.

DERM has performed an extensive assessment of the development and raised a number of concerns with the proponent which must be addressed before a decision can be made.

Wildlife Queensland will continue to lobby against developments that are not ecologically sustainable.

Success as in the recent Redlands Super Quarry case encourages us to continue this fight.

Write to the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability and the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and ask them to protect the Walsh River from this destructive industry.

For more about the Walsh River campaign, visit the campaign web site.

For more information on Wildlife Queensland's activities, contact us by email or call +61 7 3221 0194.

Wildlife Queensland © October 2009