Wild rivers
The facts
Archer river
Queensland has a number of river systems which have been almost untouched by development and are therefore in near natural condition, with all, or almost all, of their natural values intact.
One way of preserving this valuable part of our natural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations is to designate them as ‘declared wild rivers’.
Frequently asked questions (PDF, 29K)*
Other facts about wild rivers laws
- Activities such as mining, aquaculture and animal husbandry can still occur, subject to meeting special conditions.
- Grazing, fishing, eco-tourism, outstation development and indigenous cultural activities can all still occur.
- The Wild Rivers Act is not about ‘locking up country’. Declared wild river areas sustain healthy ecosystems and support economic activities.
- A wild river area does not affect activities such as camping, hunting, fishing, gathering, ceremonies and harvesting of bush food and medicines.
- Recreational boat users can continue to use waterways. Native Title rights are not impacted by the Wild Rivers Act.
- The declaration of a wild river does not stop future development – it simply ensures any development does not impact on the health of the river system.
Consultation
Lockhart river
The State Government is committed to ensuring widespread, face to face consultation before any wild river area is declared. This has occurred in every nominated basin area. The State Government has also engaged an Indigenous organisation to assist with conducting this consultation on Cape York Peninsula.
A Consultation Report is published at the end of each declaration period to show how submissions and concerns were dealt with.
To help preserve wild rivers in their near-pristine condition, a wild river declaration outlines where certain types of new development can occur in the catchment, and under what conditions. Development can still occur with the aim of the Act to preserve the natural values of wild rivers by regulating most future development activities within declared wild rivers and their catchment areas.
The first wild rivers were declared in the Gulf of Carpentaria in February 2007.
Today, development such as grazing, mining and irrigation continues right across these areas. The legislation also does not stop traditional owners from hunting and fishing - and Native Title rights are also not affected.
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Last updated: 28 October 2009