First step towards replacement of Wild Rivers Declaration for Queensland’s Western Rivers

Background

The Queensland Government today released a Report into the future management of Queensland's Georgina, Diamantina and Cooper Creek catchments (Western Rivers). If implemented, the Report's recommendations will have an impact on mining and petroleum exploration and production activities in the Cooper and Georgina/Diamantina Basins.

The stated purpose of the Report is to assist the Government to develop an alternative framework for the protection of the Western Rivers, replacing the current Wild River declarations. The Western Rivers Advisory Panel (WRAP) was established to seek community input into the development of "alternative strategies". However, the Government does not propose to withdraw any current Wild River declarations until an alternative framework is ready to be implemented.