Lockhart Basin Wild River Area
Long snouted treefrog
The Lockhart Basin (PDF, 296K)*, located on the east coast of Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, is one of Australia’s most intact ecosystems. The Lockhart Basin Wild River Area covers approximately 2220 square kilometres. It encompasses a range of environments including rugged mountain ranges, low open savannah country to the west, areas of lowland rainforest, and an extensive river valley with low-lying areas subject to seasonal flooding.
Five major rivers are located within the wild river area—the Lockhart, Claudie, Nesbit, Chester and Rocky rivers. The wild river area includes the Lloyd Bay estuarine complex which contains a series of swamps and dune lakes, as well as regionally rare heath and closed forest communities.
The area is home to numerous threatened and endangered plant and animal species including:
- Long-snouted tree frog
- painted honeyeater
- bare-backed fruit bat
- southern common cuscus and the common spotted cuscus
- keeled tassel ferns
Natural values
Lockhart River
The Lockhart Basin 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.
Low levels of development in the area mean that the river has near-natural water flows, natural sediment deposition and erosion processes, natural water quality and extensive riparian vegetation. There are no major dams or weirs, and no towns in the declared area.
The large estuarine complex in the lower reaches of the Lockhart River is included as a special feature because of the important role it plays in preserving the natural values of the river system.
Lockhart Basin Wild River Declaration 2007
The Lockhart Basin Wild River Declaration 2007 (PDF, 528K)* establishes a framework for the preservation of this unique area for the benefit of current and future generations. It also combines strategies for both preservation and sustainable development to maintain the health of the river system on which rural and remote communities depend.
A consultation report (PDF, 524K)* summarises the issues raised during the community consultation process and how they have been dealt with in finalising the wild river declaration.
Managing new development
Map showing the location of the declared Lockhart 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 Lockhart Basin 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 8 March 2011