Updated: August 12, 2010
Wild Rivers
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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.
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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.

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button orange circle white arrow  VIDEO - watch our feature clip on Cape York's wild rivers (4:38 mins)

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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.

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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.

Go to part 1 »

button orange circle white arrow  DOCUMENTARY - The Franklin River Blockade 1983 (Part 1 on YouTube)

button orange circle white arrow  VIDEO - Campaigners reflect on the impact the battle to save the Franklin River had on their lives

Wild Rivers Updates

Abbott to scrap wild river protection - August 02, 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.

Australian Federal Election - Your environment, your future, your vote - July 23, 2010

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.

Wenlock now protected as a Wild River! - July 29, 2010

After an extensive campaign involving many tens of thousands of supporters over many years, the Wenlock River on Cape York has finally been protected.

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Wild Rivers Media Releases

"Don't be a drip, Tony" Mitcham locals: save water by protecting forests and rivers - August 09, 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.

Hello… green policies? Gillard, Abbott Missing-In-Action on nature conservation - August 03, 2010

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.

Abbott policy wildly off course in scrapping river - August 02, 2010

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.

more Wild Rivers Media Releases »
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