|
Updated: August 12, 2010
|
Source of life on the world's driest inhabited continent. From the days of the Franklin River campaign in Tasmania, wild rivers have captured the imagination of Australia. Little known is that the majority of Australia's wild rivers are in the tropical north. The natural river flows that are the heartbeat of the North's diverse ecosystems and lifeblood for many existing communities are under threat from dams, irrigation schemes, and land clearing in their catchments.
 |
| Queensland's Wild Rivers |
|
Queensland is lucky to retain some of the world’s healthiest natural river systems. They underpin regional economies and support unique and diverse wildlife. Free of dams, weirs, polluting irrigation schemes and industrial development, the natural and cultural values of these rivers remain largely intact.
|
Wenlock now protected as a Wild River!
The Wenlock River has just been declared a 'Wild River' by the Queensland Government under its Wild Rivers Act, which means it is now protected from future destructive development such as in-stream mining, damming, intensive irrigation and over-extraction of water.
 |
| Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of this landmark High Court decision |
|
On July 1, we celebrate 25 years since the High Court decision that 'Let the Franklin run free'. In this Four Part series on the Franklin River campaign, author William J. Lines charts the rise of Australia's conservation movement - and a famous win for the environment.
|
Wild Rivers Updates
- Abbott to scrap wild river protection - August 02, 2010
- Australian Federal Election - Your environment, your future, your vote - July 23, 2010
- Wenlock now protected as a Wild River! - July 29, 2010
Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott confirmed his anti-environment credentials by promising to tear up the laws protecting Queensland’s pristine rivers. This is the second poor environment policy announcement from Abbott in a week - but we still have yet to hear where Labor stands on these issues.
The Federal election is on Saturday, August 21. Get active, tell the major parties the environment is your priority, and let’s get the environment and action on climate change on the federal agenda.
After an extensive campaign involving many tens of thousands of supporters over many years, the Wenlock River on Cape York has finally been protected.
Wild Rivers Media Releases
- "Don't be a drip, Tony" Mitcham locals: save water by protecting forests and rivers - August 09, 2010
- Hello… green policies? Gillard, Abbott Missing-In-Action on nature conservation - August 03, 2010
- Abbott policy wildly off course in scrapping river - August 02, 2010
After continuing to refuse to meet with Environment Victoria or The Wilderness Society, Mitcham MP Tony Richardson was once again 'visited' by locals and environment groups with our message to protect Victoria's rivers and forests. Judging by the increased honking of traffic, the support for protection of rivers and forests is high in the state electorate.
The Wilderness Society has criticized both Labor and the Coalition for failing to present clear, positive policies to protect our native forests, our unique natural ecosystems and marine environments, and iconic places like the Kimberley and Cape York.
Leading Australian conservation group, the Wilderness Society today condemned Opposition Leader Tony Abbott for proposing to tear up laws protecting Queensland’s pristine rivers. "Tony Abbott’s policy is a recipe for destroying pristine rivers and sensitive environments" said Glenn Walker, Wild Rivers Campaigner for the Wilderness Society.
Subscribe to email updates
