Staaten Wild River Area
Radjah shelduck
The Staaten Wild River Area (PDF, 310K)* is situated at the western base of Cape York Peninsula in far north western Queensland. It covers an area of approximately 25 700 square kilometres and contains the catchments of the Staaten River and Vanrook Creek as well as ten major tributaries.
The area is considered to have the highest level of ‘naturalness’ of any of the catchments in the Gulf region due to very low levels of development and large sections of national parks. The Staaten River is one of the few remaining rivers in Queensland in near-natural condition.
The wild river area is home to nationally significant wetlands which provide habitats and breeding grounds for fish, animals and a wide range of waterbirds. There are also extensive floodplains which provide breeding and feeding grounds for fish and animals as well as providing areas of refuge during the dry season. The area is particularly important for migratory bird species. The Geddes Creek floodplain supports up to 45 bird species that are listed as having state conservation status.
The area also supports a number of rare and threatened species including:
- black-necked stork
- radjah shelduck
- estuarine crocodile
- greater glider
Natural values
Photo courtesy of Ian Fox, Queensland Herbarium.
The Staaten wild river area has the following relevant natural values:
- hydrologic processes
- geomorphic processes
- water quality
- riparian function and
- wildlife corridor function.
These river systems are in near-natural condition due to very low levels of development in their catchments. There are no dams or weirs in-stream in the wild river area. These river systems have extensive floodplains which are subject to inundation as a result of high rainfall in the wet season and this naturally further restricts development.
The area’s riparian vegetation, wildlife corridors, water quality and sedimentation and erosion processes are largely unchanged from their natural state. About 20 per cent of the wild river area is within the Staaten and Bulleringa National Park. These parks are recognised for their diversity of birdlife with 110 different bird species being identified.
Staaten Wild River Declaration 2007
The Staaten Wild River Declaration 2007 (PDF, 352K)* 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, 120K)*.
Read more about the Staaten Wild River Declaration (PDF, 310K)*.
Managing new development
Map showing location of Staaten 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 Staaten 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