Fraser Wild River Area
Sooty oystercatchers
World Heritage listed Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island. The distinct groundwater and surface water systems of this pristine environment support unique ecosystems and a range of special flora and fauna species.
The natural value of Fraser Island and its waterways is reflected in the island’s status and protection within the Great Sandy National Park.
In addition to a number of important streams, the declared wild river area has a number of special features that play a significant role in maintaining natural values. These special features are strongly connected to the island’s aquatic environment and include lake systems, wetland complexes and peat swamps.
Features of Fraser Island include:
- “perched” freshwater lakes that sit high in the dunes on a compact layer of sand and organic matter.
- exceptionally clear streams with sandy bottoms that run through relatively undisturbed heathlands, swamps, rainforests and woodlands.
- threatened flora and fauna such as the Ground Parrot and the False Water Rat, and unique aquatic organisms that have adapted to the acidic waters on the island, such as the Honey Blue Eye Fish and acid frogs.
- the coastal wetlands complex and peat swamps that filter pollutants and provide important breeding and feeding grounds and corridors for fish and other native fauna.
Natural values
Stream on Fraser Island
The Fraser Island wild river area has the following relevant natural values:
- hydrologic processes
- geomorphic processes
- water quality
- riparian function and
- wildlife corridor function.
These natural values are intact or in a near-natural state throughout the wild river area. Stream flows, riverbank vegetation, wildlife corridors, sediment transport processes and water quality of the area are in a near-natural condition throughout the wild river area.
The nationally significant wetlands, swamps and fens provide important links with the major tributaries and a diverse range of habitats and ecosystems. Water quality on the island is slightly acidic, and while some streams are clear, other lakes and swamps are heavily stained with tannins from vegetation. The unique aquatic flora and fauna on the island have adapted to these extraordinary water quality conditions, such as the acid frogs and the honey blue eye fish.
Fraser Wild River Declaration 2007
The Fraser Wild River Declaration 2007 (PDF, 366K)* 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. More information is provided in the explanatory notes (PDF, 123K)*.
Read more about the Fraser Island wild river declaration (PDF, 280K)*.
Managing new development
Map showing location of the Fraser Island wild river area
While 95 per cent of the island is within national park it is still important to regulate new development activities. Many activities are not affected by the Wild Rivers declaration. These include:
- existing developments
- grazing
- recreational fishing. However, if live bait is used for fishing in the island’s stream and lakes, only bait caught on the island can be used
- 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 Fraser Wild River Area please phone a wild rivers coordinator on (07) 4222 5529 or (07) 4222 5531 or email wild.rivers@derm.qld.gov.au.
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Last updated 7 March 2011