Wild Rivers Regulation amended to assist development of boat ramps
08 December 2009
Regulations controlling the installation of private boat ramps, pontoons and jetties on Aboriginal land in a declared Wild River area have been changed to assist residents wanting to access their land by boat.
Department of Environment and Resource Management, Water Planning Manager, Jason Douglas said Traditional Owners in Cape York Peninsula had raised the issue of the construction of private jetties and boat ramps for accessing their lands.
Previously, a declared Wild River area meant any application to construct a private jetty or ramp within a High Preservation Area (HPA) could not proceed.
“The regulations relevant to the Act have been changed so that private boat ramps and jetties on Indigenous land are deemed ‘specified works’ which means residents can directly apply for a development permit for these facilities,’’ Mr Douglas said.
“This regulatory amendment may seem insignificant but access to Indigenous land such as outstations is critical, particularly in the wet season.’’
Further, Cape York Peninsula residents are encouraged to attend face-to-face meetings throughout December on possible future wild rivers declarations.
Mr Douglas said DERM staff have commenced consultation for the next phase of the wild rivers program. In 2004, the Queensland Government listed up to 19 potential wild river basins. Since then, nine wild river basins have been declared.
Eight river basins remain to be considered on Cape York Peninsula. These include the Ducie, Olive-Pascoe, Jeannie, Watson, Jardine, Jacky Jacky, Coleman and Holroyd basins.
“Staff are currently travelling across the Cape to maximise the opportunity to consult with stakeholders,’’ he said.
“This is an ideal time for stakeholders to be involved at an early stage in developing the next batch of declaration proposals. Views from these meetings will help shape the draft wild river declaration maps which will form the basis of any formal nomination of a river basin.’’
Communities to be visited through December include Mapoon, New Mapoon, Napranum, Hopevale, Cooktown, Umagico, Injinoo, Bamaga, Seisia, Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama.
Mr Douglas said the staff would have overview maps of the river systems, along with DVD presentations, hand-outs and fact sheets. Dates and locations for these meetings are currently being finalised. For further details, contact 07 4039 8382 or 4039 8281.
Last updated: 08 December 2009