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Australia's first 'Wild Rivers' protected - 22/02/07
Six of Queensland's pristine Wild Rivers are now formally protected under the Queensland Government's Wild Rivers Act, after Wild River declarations were passed today in the Queensland Parliament.
Cape York Peninsula in far north Queensland, north of Cairns, is one of the last great wild places on Earth. 13 entire wild rivers on Cape York are now proposed for protection.
Protecting Wild River's on Cape York sustain the natural river flows that are the heartbeat of the Cape's diverse ecosystems and lifeblood for many existing communities and indigenous cultural activities. They will also increase local employment opportunities through the Indigenous Wild Rivers Ranger program and a boost to local sustainable industries like tourism and fishing.
The first step on the path to the full protection of Cape York's Wild Rivers has been made – a moratorium on new water licenses on the Cape is in place and consultation with communities has begun. We are now awaiting the next step – the nomination of these Wild Rivers to begin to work through what Wild Rivers would like in particular catchments.
The final step is the official declaration and protection of Cape York's 13 Wild Rivers by the Queensland Government. With your help, we can ensure Cape York's Wild Rivers are soon declared and protected to run free.