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Wild River Protection Critical to North Queensland's Future - 10/02/07
Queensland would miss an historic opportunity to protect the state’s Wild Rivers and boost the region’s economic future if the State Government was to backtrack on its groundbreaking Wild River laws, The Wilderness Society Qld (TWS) said today. TWS has commented in anticipation of the issue being raised at the Queensland Government’s Community Cabinet forum in Atherton on Sunday.
“The Wild Rivers of Cape York Peninsula and the Gulf Country are significant economic and environmental assets for all Queenslanders. Wild River laws balance protection of these rivers while encouraging regional development,” said Glenn Walker, Wild Rivers Campaigner.
“Queensland has built a multi-billion dollar tourism industry by protecting its natural wonders such as Fraser Island, the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef. Our Wild Rivers are another irreplaceable treasure, home to a huge diversity of unique wildlife and plants. Their protection will provide even more world class areas to attract overseas and Australian visitors.”
“Further employment and economic benefits will flow from the Queensland Government’s commitment to resource and support one hundred new Wild River Indigenous Ranger positions in Wild River catchments.”
”Comments that suggest important common activities such as grazing, fishing, camping and local government road construction and maintenance will be stopped in declared catchments are completely untrue,” continued Mr Walker.
“Systematic destruction of river systems across Australia over many decades has seen the quality of land and water decline, threatening local economies and the environment. Queensland’s historic Wild Rivers initiative is all about building a sustainable future for Queensland, and to do so we need to work together so that our Wild Rivers are protected for the future,” concluded Mr Walker.
Media Enquiries: Glenn Walker, Wild Rivers Campaigner,
The Wilderness Society (Queensland) Inc.
(07) 3846 1420