Response from the Premier's Office, 9 April 2010

Thank you for your recent correspondence concerning the Wenlock River Wild River Declaration. I have been requested to reply to you on the Premier's behalf.

The election policy, Protecting Queensland's Natural Heritage: Wild Rivers, outlines 19 river basins throughout Queensland that are considered to have all, or almost all, of their natural values intact. Thirteen of the river basins proposed under this policy occur on Cape York Peninsula, with three river basins - the Archer, Lockhart and Stewart river basins - declared as wild river areas in 2009. As you may be aware, the State's first six wild river areas - Settlement Creek, Morning Inlet, Gregory River and Staaten River, on the Gulf of Carpentaria, and streams on Hinchinbrook and Fraser Islands - were declared in 2007.

The wild rivers program is a nation-leading initiative that provides protection for our pristine and near pristine river systems.

You will be aware that some representatives of Cape York Indigenous communities have strongly opposed Wild Rivers nominations and have argued that the legislation unfairly restricts economic development opportunities. The Premier recognises that the establishment of sustainable businesses is difficult in all remote indigenous communities and is committed to providing better support for this. She has also invited input on specific examples where sustainable development opportunities has been limited by the Wild Rivers legislation. To date, none have been identified..

Declaration of the Wenlock River basin as a Wild River area has been delayed to provide every opportunity for local communities to be engaged and to fully consider the many submissions that have been received. In particular, careful consideration is being given to the possible impact of the proposed Pisolite Hills Bauxite mining project on freshwater springs feeding the river. Scientific studies have been requested to assess the area and it is anticipated that a decision will be forthcoming in the near future.

The Premier trusts that this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

Nick Williams
Senior Policy Advisor