Queensland has a number of river systems which have been almost untouched by development and are therefore in near natural condition, with all, or almost all, of their natural values intact. They are important because they:

• help sustain healthy ecosystems for native plants and animals
• support sustainable economic activities, such as grazing, fishing and eco-tourism
• provide unique opportunities for recreation and tourism.

One way of preserving this valuable part of our natural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations is to designate them as ‘declared wild rivers’.

Declared wild river areas

To help preserve wild rivers in their near-pristine condition, a wild river declaration outlines where certain types of new development can occur in the catchment, and under what conditions.

Read more about declared wild river areas →

Proposed wild river areas

Under the Wild Rivers Act, the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy can propose any part of Queensland for consideration as a wild river area. The community is invited to comment on a proposal before the minister makes a final decision.

Read more about wild river declaration proposals →

Cape York moratorium

The then Minister for Natural Resources and Water introduced a moratorium, effective from 25 January 2007, placing a hold on new water-related developments while consultation is carried out in the Cape on possible wild rivers declarations.

Read more about the Cape York water moratorium and amendments →

Wild rivers legislation

The purpose of the Wild Rivers Act 2005 is to preserve the natural values of wild rivers by regulating most future development activities within declared wild rivers and their catchment areas.

Read more about wild rivers legislation →

Development in a wild river area

Development within a declared wild river area may be prohibited, assessable under the Wild Rivers Code, self-assessable, or exempt.

Read more about the Wild Rivers Code and development in wild rivers areas →