Wild Rivers

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 |
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The magnificent rivers of the Cape York Peninsula are the lifeblood of local communities - and support a huge diversity of wildlife. Go to Wild Rivers special site »
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| Wild Rivers Cyberaction |
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A window of opportunity to protect Cape York’s precious wild rivers has just opened. The Queensland and Commonwealth Governments are now pursuing a World Heritage listing for Cape York. Send this cyberaction to support protection for the wild rivers of Cape York Peninsula, under Qld's Wild Rivers legislation. |
| Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of this landmark High Court decision |
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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.
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Wild Rivers Updates
- A 'new deal' for Cape York Peninsula - November 10, 2008
- A prosperous future for Cape York - October 13, 2008
- A chance to save three wild rivers - July 30, 2008
The Wilderness Society has launched the Cape York Heritage Protection Plan as a blue print for coordinated, strategic and funded action for Cape York’s future.
A World Heritage nomination for Cape York Peninsula will help shape a healthy and prosperous future by integrating the needs of communities with the needs of nature, creating real jobs and a sustainable futures, while conserving the superlative natural and cultural values of the region.
A window of opportunity to protect Cape York’s precious wild rivers has just opened. The Queensland and Commonwealth Governments are now pursuing a World Heritage listing for Cape York. Learn how you can make a difference by supporting these first three protection proposals.
Wild Rivers Media Releases
- Wilderness Society urges action on Cape York wild river protection - November 21, 2008
- Cape York critters warn Cape Alumina investors of impacts of bauxite mine - November 14, 2008
- Push for World Heritage protection for Cape York - October 08, 2008
The Wilderness Society calls for greater protection of the Aurukun wetlands and more Indigenous Wild River Rangers, as part of the Queensland Government’s proposed wild river protection plans for three Cape York river basins.
Outside a Cape Alumina meeting held in Cairns last night, critters from Cape York warned potential investors of the serious environmental threat that the company’s large bauxite mine proposal poses to the Wenlock River and its surrounding environment.
A leading Australian environment group, The Wilderness Society, will seek the support of the World Conservation Congress in Spain this week for a World Heritage nomination for Cape York. A resolution will be voted on later this week at the Congress in Barcelona urging the Federal and Queensland Governments to continue to work with Traditional Owners to develop a nomination and seek their final consent for a World Heritage listing.



