Fraser Wild River Area
The Fraser Wild River Declaration 2007 (PDF, 366K)* took effect on 28 February 2007. A 'plain English' description of the Fraser Wild River Declaration 2007 is provided in the explanatory notes (PDF, 123K)* .
- Overview of the wild river area
- Managing new development
- Public notices
- Historical information
- More information
Overview of the wild river area
The wild river area is all of Fraser Island, which is located off the south-east coast of Queensland near the towns of Hervey Bay and Maryborough. The area contains 14 major stream systems.
The stream systems of Fraser Island are in near natural condition due to very low levels of development on the island. The unique value of Fraser Island and its stream systems is reflected in the island’s World Heritage status and protection within the Great Sandy National Park.
In addition to the stream systems themselves, the wild river area has a number of special features that play a significant role in maintaining wild river natural values. These features are strongly connected to the island’s riverine environment and include lake systems, wetland complexes and peat swamps.
Managing new development
While 95 per cent of the island is within national park, it is still important to manage future development activity in the remaining area to ensure the wild river natural values are preserved.
The wild river declaration achieves this by applying wild river requirements on certain types of future development activity on the island. These requirements are most stringent in high preservation areas (areas within and surrounding the stream systems and special features).
Most types of new development are prohibited in a high preservation area, including:
- instream dams and weirs
- agricultural areas (e.g. crops, orchards, vineyards)
- animal husbandry facilities (e.g. feedlots, emu farms)
- aquaculture facilities (e.g. hatcheries, grow out ponds).
Where a new development activity is not prohibited, it will be required to meet wild river outcomes before it can be approved. These outcomes are specified in the Wild Rivers Code. For example, an aquaculture facility located outside of a high preservation area must comply with the relevant part of the Wild Rivers Code as well as any requirements under the Fisheries Act.
Developments within the national park will be subject to wild river requirements as well as the requirements of the Nature Conservation Act 1992, which is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Developments existing at the time of declaration are not affected by the declaration, including the maintenance of these developments.
The declaration limits the total take of water from the island’s streams, lakes and aquifers to 720 megalitres per year, excluding supplies for domestic and livestock purposes.
The declaration does not affect recreational fishing or camping. However, if using live bait for fishing in the island’s stream and lakes, only bait caught on the island can be used.
Public notices
There are no current public notices.
Historical Information
In December 2005, a notice of intent to declare the Fraser Wild River Area was published in newspapers. The notice also advertised the availability of the Fraser Wild River Declaration Proposal for public comment and formal submissions. The notice also imposed a moratorium on water, vegetation clearing and mining tenure dealings. The submission period closed on 17 February 2006.
In July 2006, a notice was published in newspapers to correct an error in the earlier notice with respect to the water moratorium.
In December 2006, a notice was published in newspapers to extend the moratorium period. The moratorium ceased to be in effect on 28 February 2007 when the Fraser Wild River Area was declared.
These historical documents are available for inspection at departmental offices at 27 O'Connell Street, Gympie and Level 2 Mineral House, 41 George Street, Brisbane.
More information
For more information about the Fraser Wild River Declaration, phone the Wild Rivers Officers on 07 4039 8281 or 4039 8283 or email wild rivers.
Photo courtesy of Tourism Queensland.
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Last updated: 02 October 2008