The declaration of the Settlement, Gregory, Morning Inlet, Staaten, Fraser and Hinchinbrook Wild Rivers took effect on 28 February 2007. This declaration follows on from the legislative initiative taken in December 2006.

The declarations set out the extent of the wilderness area and the various management areas. Also prescribed are conditions for new developments and limits the water that may be taken in the area.

Wildlife Queensland says…

It is pleasing to note the Queensland Government delivering on another election promise with six rivers now declared under wild rivers legislation. Agreement was achieved between AgForce, the Queensland Resource Council and the Wilderness Society, who had taken the running on this issue on behalf of the conservation movement. Some compromise from the original position achieved an acceptable outcome.

WPSQ has reservations about the initiative involving Fraser and Hinchinbrook Rivers. Many of our members raised concerns about another layer of bureaucracy over rivers already afforded protection because of their location in the protected area estate. In our 2006 submission we also pointed out concerns about future water extraction and the need to include water for stock and urban in any cap.

The Queensland Government should go on to offer the same protection to other pristine river systems. There are 13 other rivers on the Cape including the Archer, Jardine, Pascoe, Wenlock and Coleman Rivers that need the attention of the Government now, particularly as the Commonwealth Government is considering extensive agricultural development in northern Australia as part of its $10B water strategy.

More information

Find out more about the background to the Wild Rivers Campaign.

Find out more information about the Queensland Government's declaration of the six wild rivers.

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

Wildlife Queensland © March 2007