Hinchinbrook Wild River Area
- Natural values
- Hinchinbrook Island Wild River Declaration 2007
- Managing new development
- More information
Cassowary
The Hinchinbrook Island wild river area (PDF, 267K)* is located off Queensland’s north coast near Cardwell and Ingham. This Y-shaped island covers an area of 399 square kilometres and is separated from the mainland by the Hinchinbrook Channel. There are three major steams—Boyd’s Creek, North Zoe Creek and Freshwater Creek.
Hinchinbrook Island’s outstanding natural, cultural and scenic values are reflected in its World Heritage Area status and protection as a national park since 1932.
The Hinchinbrook Channel and Missionary Bay wetlands contain some of the largest mangrove communities in Australia and are home to over 31 mangrove species. The wild river area also includes the Zoe Bay wetlands which are important nursery grounds and feeding areas for estuarine species, fish and seabirds.
The Hinchinbrook wild river area is home to a range of threatened and endangered flora and fauna including:
- diadem leaf-nosed bat
- spectacled flying fox
- southern cassowary
- halifax fan palm
Natural values
Stream on Hinchinbrook Island Photo: DERM.
Hinchinbrook Island has the following relevant natural values:
- hydrologic processes
- geomorphic processes
- water quality
- riparian function and
- wildlife corridor function.
The water flows, riverbanks, vegetation, wildlife habitats and corridors and water quality are in near-natural condition due to the very low levels of development on the island. There are no major water storages and the native vegetation communities are intact.. The area’s wetlands and mangroves play a significant role in maintaining the natural values of the stream systems and the island’s riverine environment.
Hinchinbrook Island Wild River Declaration 2007
The Hinchinbrook Wild River Declaration 2007 (PDF, 313K)* 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 communities depend. More information is provided in the explanatory notes (PDF, 103K)*.
Managing new development
Map showing location of Hinchinbrook wild river area
While 95 per cent of the island is within a national park, it is still important to manage 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 streams or required to comply with certain conditions to minimise their impact.
More information
If you would like more information about the Hinchinbrook Wild River Declaration, phone the 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