Stewart Basin Wild River Area
Eclectus parrot (male)
The Stewart Basin Wild River Area (PDF, 336K)* is located on the east coast of Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland. It is one of Australia’s most intact river systems, and contains a high number of unique plants and animals. Covering an area of about 2795 square kilometres, the wild river area includes the catchments of the Stewart River, Massy Creek, Breakfast Creek, and Balclutha and Gorge (or Running) creeks. Largely unmodified natural riverine processes in these systems are reflected in the near-natural condition of the area’s estuaries and intertidal wetlands, such as the Silver Plains – Nesbit River wetlands.
The Stewart Basin contains the largest block of rainforest on Cape York Peninsula, and the largest wilderness rainforest in northern Australia. It has the greatest bird and mammal diversity on Cape York Peninsula and supports a nationally rich population of orchids and invertebrate (no backbone) fauna. It is also home to a high number of endemic species, that is species that are found nowhere else, and at least 100 rare and threatened species, including:
- eclectus parrots
- masked owls
- southern cassowaries
- estuarine crocodiles
- various bat species, including fawn leaf-nosed bats, Semon's leaf-nosed bats and greater large-eared horseshoe bats.
Natural values
Stewart River. Image courtesy of Nik Lachajczak, Bush TV.
The wild river area has the following relevant natural values:
- hydrologic processes
- geomorphic processes
- water quality
- riparian function
- wildlife corridor function
These natural values are intact or in a near-natural state throughout the wild river area.
The Stewart Basin is one of the few remaining areas in Queensland with watercourses in near-natural condition, including Rocky River, Massey Creek, Breakfast Creek, Stewart and Five-Mile Creek. There is limited development within the area and the largely unmodified natural riverine processes and largely intact vegetation cover supports healthy ecosystems and water quality.
Stewart Basin Wild River Declaration 2009
The Stewart Basin Wild River Declaration provides 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.
The Stewart Basin Wild River Declaration Consultation Report (PDF, 530K)* summarises the issues raised during the community consultation process and how they have been dealt with in finalising the wild river declaration (PDF, 530K)*.
Managing new development
Map showing the location of the declared Stewart Basin wild river area.
Many activities are not affected in the wild river area. 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 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 Stewart Basin Wild River Declaration, phone the Wild Rivers Officers 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