Protection of Cape York’s irreplaceable environment one step closer with new legislation - 17/10/07

“This new legislation marks a significant breakthrough in securing the long-term protection of Cape York’s extraordinary natural environment,” Wilderness Society spokesperson, Ms Larissa Cordner said.

“The Queensland Government has struck a balance between the environment and a range of social and economic development opportunities and is to be congratulated.”

Cape York is home to a third of all Australia mammal species and half of all bird species. More than 3000 different plant species have been identified.

A fifth of all remaining Australian tropical rainforests are found on Cape York and 13 complete wild river systems empty into the Coral Sea and Gulf of Carpentaria respectively.

Cape York’s east coast has hundreds of square kilometres of unique dune systems. Cape York is also home to one of the largest and healthiest areas of tropical savanna left on the planet.

“This initiative provides a pathway towards long term protection for the river’s and World Heritage values of Cape York, and supports essential indigenous land management outcomes including reform of the management of existing and future National Parks.”

“The Wilderness Society now calls on Federal party leaders to put politics aside and match the support of their State colleagues by also endorsing the legislation, including a commitment to eventual World Heritage listing of agreed areas and increased resources for the ongoing management and conservation of the land and waters of Cape York,” Ms Cordner concluded.

For further information or comment please contact: Larissa Cordner, 07 3846 1420