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Wilderness Society urges action on Cape York wild river protection - 21/11/08
The Wilderness Society (TWS) today called for greater protection of the Aurukun wetlands and more Indigenous Wild River Rangers, as part of the Queensland Government’s proposed wild river protection plans for three Cape York river basins. Public submissions on the protection proposals close today, with a final decision expected to be made early next year.
Glenn Walker, Wild Rivers Campaigner for The Wilderness Society said: “The Aurukun Wetlands in the Archer River Basin are about five times the size of the world famous Kakadu wetlands. These enormous and unique natural systems are under threat from sand and bauxite mining proposals.”
“Under the current proposal, only minimal areas of the wetlands will be afforded the protection they deserve. We urge the Government to fully protect these precious wetlands, rich in natural and cultural values”.
TWS said it was very pleased with the overwhelming public response to the call for wild river protection.
“We understand that the public has sent over 7 500 letters, postcards and submissions in support of the Queensland Government’s proposals” said Mr Walker. “This is a big response from the public and a big show of support for these river protection proposals”.
TWS also called on the Government to commit an additional $6 million in 2009 to employ another 40 Indigenous Wild River Rangers. In 2006, the Queensland Government promised to create up to 100 Indigenous Wild River Ranger jobs to complement the protection plans for wild rivers. 20 of these Rangers have now been employed, but TWS highlighted the need for the ongoing roll out of this program.
“Invasive weeds, feral animals and fire management are an ongoing challenge to the management of our wild rivers. Employing more local Indigenous people as rangers can greatly reduce these threats and provide much needed jobs for remote Indigenous communities” said Mr Walker.
There are a total of 13 river basins on Cape York scheduled for wild river protection over the next two years. The Queensland Government is expected to nominate the Wenlock River Basin next for wild river protection in late December or early January.
