Quarter of a million people call for protection of Wenlock River and Steve Irwin Reserve

The Wilderness Society today announced that a staggering 280,000 people have expressed their support to protect the Wenlock River on Cape York and adjacent Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve from a proposed bauxite mine, by signing petitions, writing letters and sending emails to Queensland Premier Anna Bligh.

The late Steve Irwin referred to the Wenlock area as the most beautiful place on Earth. Wenlock River, Jabiru. Image: The Wilderness Society Collection

Premier Bligh is expected to make a final decision on the Wild River declaration for the Wenlock River Basin within weeks. If done properly, the declaration will protect important freshwater springs and help prevent the proposed Cape Alumina bauxite mine from going ahead.

Glenn Walker, spokesperson for The Wilderness Society said: “No environment issue in Australia’s history has generated as many signatures and messages of support. This is an overwhelming demonstration that the community want to protect this environmental treasure. Premier Bligh must respond and ensure a strong Wild River declaration for the area”.

“The Wenlock River Basin supports one of Australia's healthiest and most spectacular river systems. Steve Irwin called the Wenlock River area 'the most beautiful place on Earth'. Home to 50 freshwater fish species, lush rainforest, freshwater springs and Queensland's best Saltwater crocodile breeding habitats, the Wenlock is an ecological jewel. To its Indigenous Traditional Owners, the Wenlock is a priceless cultural, spiritual and economic resource.”

In the past two weeks alone, Premier Bligh has received 2,800 emails from Australians urging her to show leadership on this matter. As the decision looms, The Wilderness Society is also encouraging supporters to phone the Premier’s office and let her know they care deeply about this issue.

“Mining company Cape Alumina wants to build a new bauxite mine here - right in the middle of the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve. If this mine goes ahead, it will destroy forests, cause erosion and wipe out wildlife habitat.” said Mr Walker

“The Wilderness Society also believes the mine as proposed directly threatens the Wenlock River.  A Wild River declaration works by creating buffers around sensitive riverine and wetland environments - prohibiting new destructive developments like strip mining. This legal protection would help keep the Wenlock safe from Cape Alumina's damaging bauxite mine”

The Wilderness Society has been working with Australia Zoo and Traditional Owners in the Wenlock River catchment for a number of years to ensure long-term protection for the region.

“There's a simple solution here – a strong Wild Rivers declaration for the Wenlock” Mr Walker stated.

If you haven't signed the online petition, please add your voice to the chorus - tell Queensland Premier Anna Bligh that you want her to declare the Wenlock protected under the Wild Rivers Act >>