Generations of Australians to come will be able to witness the spectacular event we have just seen – the glorious transformation of the iconic Lake Eyre into a wildlife wonderland – when the Queensland Government finalises the protection of two main rivers systems that feed the lake from the devastating effects of mining and water extraction.

The Georgina and Diamantina rivers will be protected under draft Wild River declarations released by the Queensland Government today, and the Wilderness Society has urged Premier Anna Bligh to stand firm against an expected backlash from the rapacious mining industry during the public consultation period before the final decision is made.

“There is growing unrest right across Queensland about the very serious threat the rapidly expanding mining industry poses to the health of our rivers, forests, marine life and farmlands,” said Wilderness Society Wild Rivers campaigner Glenn Walker.

“It's clear that the Lake Eyre Basin has now become a major target of the mining industry, with 80 per cent of this special country now covered in exploration or mining permits.”

When completed, the Wild River declarations will establish a narrow protective buffer zone around key rivers, floodplains and lakes, within which new mining and irrigated agriculture cannot occur.

But the Wilderness Society stressed that the buffer zones are not yet protected from the rapacious coal seam gas mining industry.

“This is a major flaw requiring urgent attention in the proposed declarations,” Mr Walker said. “The coal seam gas boom is outstripping regulations such as the Wild Rivers laws. Our regulations must be improved to tackle this burgeoning industry and its harmful impacts.”

“Queensland’s rivers flowing into Lake Eyre are one of Australia's great natural wonders. Flowing hundreds of kilometres into iconic outback wetlands and lakes as far as South Australia, the sporadic flooding of these river systems triggers a spectacular transformation of Australia's arid heart into a lush, flourishing landscape brimming with thousands of birds, fish and wildflowers. This natural cycle is also vital for local industries such as tourism and grazing.”

The Wilderness Society called for bi-partisan support for the Wild River declarations.

“Premier Anna Bligh has shown a strong commitment to protecting our last wild rivers across the state,” Mr Walker said. “This is a major environmental achievement, and her government deserves recognition for this.”

“We strongly urge Campbell Newman to end the divisive and confusing position of his party on Wild Rivers and get behind the protection of these vital natural assets from mining exploitation. We remind Campbell Newman that the Queensland Liberal Party voted for the Wild Rivers legislation in 2005 - it’s about time Mr Newman restored this sensible position for his party and demonstrated environmental leadership.”

Media Enquiries:
Glenn Walker, Wild Rivers Campaigner, 0417 645 927

The Wilderness Society today congratulated the Rann Government for agreeing to protect the mountains of the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary.

The Premier has announced that the Government will give the region unprecedented protection, initially under the Mining Act, but going even further with new legislation to specifically exclude mining from the area.

The new legislation will recognise the unique character of this iconic mountain wilderness and will not be able to be overturned by a future government.

“The Wilderness Society has been campaigning for years to see this fantastic outcome” said Campaign Manager Peter Owen.

“Arkaroola is worthy of the highest level of protection available and it would be great to see National and World Heritage listing for Arkaroola in the future”.

“Some places are just too precious to mine…Arkaroola is one of them” he said.

For further information contact: Peter Owen 0423 550 018

The Wilderness Society today expressed alarm about the rapid spread of the coal seam gas industry into the Lake Eyre Basin region of Western Queensland, highlighting the major environmental issues this industry raises.

Over the past few weeks a number of landholders around the Longreach area have received letters from Exoma Energy seeking entry to their properties, to build exploratory wells on landholders’ land. Other companies increasing coal seam gas exploration in the area include AGL and Galilee Energy.

Glenn Walker, spokesperson for The Wilderness Society said: “We believe that the coal seam gas industry poses a significant threat to the unique and fragile environment of one of Australia’s great natural wonders – the Lake Eyre Basin.”

“Many plant species in the region depend on groundwater to feed their root systems, and these plants in turn support wildlife and stock. Dramatic alterations to water table levels from coal seam gas development could have a large impact” Mr Walker said.

Coal seam gas is extracted by releasing pressure on underground coal seams, letting the gas escape for capture. This is done by extracting large amounts of water, which in turn affects water table levels in the aquifer. Undisclosed chemicals are also often used to make fractures in the coal seam to encourage gas release (known as “fracking”). 

Another other major threat from this activity that concerns the Wilderness Society is the disposal into the environment of the salts, toxic hydrocarbons and heavy metals mobilised through the extraction of the water in the wells. The Wilderness Society stressed that the coal seam gas companies and the Queensland Government have not been able to prove the safety of the industry. 

“Landholders and communities in the region should be concerned about the potential impacts of the coal seam gas industry to grazing businesses, as it poses a significant threat to precious water resources,” commented Mr Walker. 

“Communities in the Lake Eyre Basin region need to be aware that this rapidly expanding industry is now right on their door step. We support any landholders who choose to resist granting access to the coal seam gas industry on their properties, as other communities are doing elsewhere in Queensland and New South Wales.”

“Given the high risks coal seam gas extraction poses to the environment, grazing businesses and townships, we argue that an immediate moratorium should be placed on all activities of this industry. Extensive, regionally-specific, and independent studies should be undertaken to provide local communities with a thorough assessment of the risks before we see this industry continue,” concluded Mr Walker.