Protection for Cape York rivers a win-win for jobs and environment - 23/08/08

The Queensland Government today released Wild River declaration proposals for the Stewart, Archer and Lockhart River basins on Cape York Peninsula.

Wild Rivers Campaigner for The Wilderness Society, Glenn Walker, said protection for the region’s rivers would ensure areas such as the Aurukun Wetlands in the Archer River Basin remain an iconic part of Australia’s natural heritage.

“The Aurukun Wetlands are about five times the size of the world famous Kakadu wetlands. These enormous natural systems are uniquely Australian and protecting them would make Cape York an even greater attraction for international visitors.”

Mr Walker said if declared as Wild Rivers by the state government following the extensive community consultation period that will now occur, this would lead to many new jobs as well.

“Significant employment opportunities are attached this initiative. Already 20 Indigenous Wild River Rangers have been employed across the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York Peninsula to look after these rivers, harnessing the great ecological knowledge among the local people.

“The Government has promised up to 80 more ranger jobs will become available in the future”.

The release of the proposals comes off the back of an announcement by Premier Anna Bligh last month that her Government would honour the 2004 Beattie Government commitment to protect Cape York’s wild rivers under Queensland’s groundbreaking Wild Rivers Act.

Mr Walker said that if left unprotected, destructive development such as large dams and mining could ruin an irreplaceable part of Australia.

“Without protection these important wild rivers would be exposed to the same destructive development that has torn the heart out of other Australian icons like the Murray River.

“Wild River protection does not stop development from happening. Lower-impact activities such as fishing, pastoralism and essential building works can all take place.