Wenlock Basin Wild River
Spotted Cuscus
The Wenlock basin, located on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula, is one of the world’s most pristine ecosystems. Features of the basin include:
- rare and threatened plants, birds and marine and estuarine species, including endangered spear-tooth sharks, dugongs, Australian snubfin dolphins and estuarine crocodiles
- the highest diversity of freshwater fish species of any Australian river, including the Whiptail Ray, Freshwater Sole and endangered Freshwater Sawfish
- rainforests of the Wenlock provide crucial habitat for the Palm Cockatoo and Spotted Cuscus , the Magnificent Riflebird and Trumpet Manucode, the Orange-footed Scrubfowl, and the Amethystine Python.
The Wenlock Basin Wild River Declaration 2010 (PDF, 571K)* sets up a practical framework for preserving the natural values of this special part of Queensland’s natural heritage in a way that acknowledges and meets the needs of different stakeholders.
- Read the factsheet on the Wenlock Basin Wild River Declaration (PDF, 168K)*.
- View the wildlife photo gallery.
Natural values
Wenlock lagoon
The 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.
Read more about the natural values of the Wenlock Basin.
The Wenlock Basin Wild River declaration
Map showing location of the Wenlock Basin wild river area
The Wenlock Basin Wild River Declaration 2010 sets up a practical framework for preserving the natural values of this special part of Queensland’s natural heritage in a way that acknowledges and meets the needs of different stakeholders.
After extensive community consultation, the declaration is framed to preserve the unspoiled values of the Wenlock River while allowing development activities and commercial enterprise to grow.
Read more about the Wenlock Basin Wild River Declaration.
More information
If you would like more information about the Wenlock Basin Wild River Area, or a copy of any of the documents above, please phone a wild rivers coordinator on (07) 4039 8332 or (07) 4039 8283 or email wild.rivers@derm.qld.gov.au.
Banner photograph by Kerry Trapnell.
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last reviewed 21 June 2011
Last updated 29 April 2011
Comments
We are the Traditional Owners of the land and we support the Wild Rivers declaration. This protection really secures our significance, our country and our rights and where we belong.
Cecil Arthur, Taepithiggi representative and Traditional Land Owner
The Wenlock River basin holds significant cultural and spiritual value for its Traditional Owners. It features many important Story Places, sacred ceremonial grounds, totemic sites, and areas or rock carving and painting.
David Claudie, Kuuku l'yu (northern Kaanju) elder, veteran ranger, CEO Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation
One of our key sites now is the Wenlock River... it's a really significant habitat for crocodiles, arguably the most productive in Queensland, and it's great that it's been declared a wild river.
Professor Craig Franklin, Zoologist, University of Queensland - ABC Far North 8 June 2010
To its Indigenous traditional owners, the Wenlock is a priceless cultural, spiritual and practical resource which can continue to be used... The successful declaration of the Wenlock River would not have been possible without the incredible support from many... protection for this environmental treasure trove has certainly got that win here in the Cape York region.
Lloyd Wiles, talkback host, Murri Voices- 4K1G 7 June 2010