Gregory Wild River Area
Gouldian finch
The Gregory wild river area, located adjacent to the Gulf of Carpentaria in far north-western Queensland, has some of Northern Australia’s most unique wetland habitats. It contains the Queensland portion of the Gregory River catchment plus a two-kilometre wide zone along the Nicholson River downstream from its junction with the Gregory River.
This wild river area includes the network of interconnected channels, waterholes and swamps in the Bluebush Swamp, and the Lower Gregory and Lawn Hill Floodplain Complexes. It also includes the Lawn Hill Gorge, a system with deep channels, riverine wetlands and waterfalls. All these special features are nationally significant wetlands that support a range of habitats and aquatic refuges.
The area also includes unique and threatened plants and animals including:
- ornate burrowing frogs
- gouldian finches
- river lily
- gulf snapping turtles
- freshwater sawfish.
Natural values
Thornton River. Photo: DERM
The Gregory 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 are in a near-natural state throughout the wild river area.
Read more about the natural values of the Gregory Wild River Area.
Gregory Wild River Declaration
The Gregory Wild River Declaration (PDF, 351K)* sets up a practical framework for preserving the natural values of the special part of Queensland’s natural heritage in a way that acknowledges and meets the needs of different stakeholders. More information is available in the explanatory notes (PDF, 125K)*.
Read more about the Gregory wild river area (PDF, 289K)*.
Managing new development
Map showing location of the Gregory wild river area
Many activities are not affected by the wild river 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. Developments existing at the time of the declaration, such as the Century Mine, are not affected by the declaration, including the maintenance of these developments.
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 Gregory Wild River Declaration, phone the Wild Rivers Officers on 07 4039 8281 or 07 4039 8332 or email wild.rivers@derm.qld.gov.au.
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Last reviewed 21 June 2011
Last updated 7 March 2011