Miner licking lips at prospect of removal of Wild River protections

Media Release
The Wilderness Society (Qld) Inc.
23 April 2012

Bauxite mining company Cape Alumina is readying itself to mine the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve and pristine Wenlock River area on Cape York, anticipating the removal of the Wild River protections on the Wenlock.

Cape Alumina’s Pisolite Hills Project was halted in June 2010 following the establishment of protective buffer zones under Queensland’s Wild Rivers Act around important rainforest springs on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve. This meant that Cape Alumina could no longer access key areas of bauxite, rendering the project unviable.

The Wilderness Society is aware that the company last week listed an investor presentation on the ASX website noting that the new Queensland LNP Government would soon repeal the Wild River declaration for the Wenlock River, allowing them to restore their plans to strip mine the area. The removal of the Wenlock declaration and the buffer zones will once again place the destructive bauxite mine back on the cards.

“Cape Alumina and the mining industry are licking their lips at the prospect of Premier Campbell Newman’s plans to remove Wild River protections,” said Glenn Walker, Wild Rivers Campaigner for The Wilderness Society.

“Without these protections, the mining no-go zones around pristine rivers and wetlands will be gone, allowing companies like Cape Alumina to forge ahead with their destructive strip mining plans”.

“The Wenlock River of Cape York is one of Australia's most pristine and spectacular river systems,” said Mr Walker. “Home to fifty freshwater fish species, lush rainforest, freshwater springs and Queensland's best Saltwater crocodile breeding habitats, the Wenlock is an environmental jewel.”

“If Premier Newman winds back Wild River protections, he will be permitting the destruction of this highly significant natural area. The Premier must demonstrate he is able to put public interest and the environment ahead of mining industry interests,” said Mr Walker.

Public support for this cause is incredibly strong, with almost 400,000 people having already signed a petition supporting the protection of the Wenlock and Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.

Media Enquiries:
Glenn Walker: 0417 645 927

Cape Alumina’s recent investor presentation can be viewed here.