Archer Basin Wild River Area
Gold-shouldered parrot
The Archer basin, located on the west coast of cape york peninsula, is one of Australia's most undisturbed environments. It covers an area of approximately 13 760 square kilometres, most of which is low lying and subject to inundation during the wet season. It includes the catchments of the Kirke River, Love River and Archer River systems.
The wild river area includes the Aurukun wetlands, an extensive series of nationally significant coastal wetlands with high biodiversity, including large estuarine lakes and paper bark swamps. Vegetation mapping indicates that almost 100 per cent of native vegetation cover in the basin is undisturbed. Most of the area is considered as being of very high wilderness quality and is recognised for its near-natural condition and high conservation values.
The basin is also home to numerous threatened and endangered plant, bird and animal species including:
- Keeled tassel fern
- Gouldian finch
- Gold-shouldered parrot
- Yakka skink
- Estuarine crocodile
- Northern nursery frog
- and a number of bat species such as the tube-nosed insectivorous bat, the Semon’s leafnosed-bat and the ghost bat.
Natural values
Archer River
The Archer basin has the following relevant natural values:
- hydrologic processes
- geomorphic processes
- water quality
- riparian function and
- wildlife corridor function.
These natural values are intact or are in a near-natural state throughout the wild river area. Low levels of development in the area mean that there are near-natural water flows and natural sediment deposition and erosion processes and natural water quality.
The extensive riparian vegetation preserves bank stability and provides habitat for plants and animals. There are no major dams or weirs in the declared wild river area. The small town of Coen is situated in the upper catchment of the Coen River. A small dam provides water for the town.
Archer Basin Wild River Declaration 2009
The Archer Basin Wild River Declaration 2009 (PDF, 670K)* establishes a framework for the preservation of this unique area for the benefit of current and future generations. It also combines the preservation and sustainable development strategies to maintain the health of the river system on which rural and remote communities depend.
In finalising the Archer Basin wild river declaration, the Minister considered the results of community consultation and all properly made submissions about the declaration proposal.
The Archer Basin Wild River Declaration Consultation Report (PDF, 529K)* summarises the issues raised during the community consultation process and how they have been dealt with in finalising the wild river declaration.
Read more about the Archer Basin Wild River declaration (PDF, 406K)*.
Managing new development
Map showing location of the Archer Basin wild river area
Many activities are not affected by the Wild Rivers declaration. These include:
- existing developments
- grazing
- recreational fishing
- boating or refueling
- traditional cultural activities
- native title
- land management such as clearing weeds
- traditional burning
- taking water for stock or domestic needs
- improving pasture (unless using risk species)
New economic development opportunities can occur if they do not adversely affect the area’s natural values. The developments may be set back from the rivers or required to comply with certain conditions to minimise their impact.
Wild river requirements may apply to developments such as agricultural and animal husbandry activities, aquaculture, forestry, mining, in-stream quarrying, residential, commercial and industrial development, riverine and tidal works, vegetation clearing, water allocation and take.
More information
If you would like more information about the Archer Basin Wild River Declaration, phone the Wild Rivers Coordinator on (07) 4222 5533 or email wild.rivers@derm.qld.gov.au.
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Last updated 2 September 2011