The announcement below is fantastic and encouraging but highlights the case that in regard to environmental issues, having a win after a long, hard battle can mask the fact that the war is far from over.

Different conventions and their subsequent declarations have different effects on our ability to protect our endangered environment. World heritage listing can save an environment for ever, or can it? Is the World heritage listed Great Barrier Reef protected from oil exploitation? (note, I didn’t use the word exploration!)  Could the same thing that happened recently in the Gulf of Mexico happen closer to home? One class of declaration can save an area from development but not mining.  What I’m saying here, is that we can’t and shouldn’t let the hard work of a few diligent environmentalists be wasted by sitting back and resting after a win, to find the back door has been left open.

An environmental win was celebrated on the 4th June with the declaration of the Wenlock River as a Wild River. The Wenlock River has the richest freshwater fish diversity of any Australian river, and supports a population of critically endangered Spear-tooth Sharks, endangered freshwater Saw Fish and the vulnerable Estuarine Crocodile. Terri Irwin said this was a win for all Australians. “I would like to congratulate the Queensland State Government. Minister Stephen Robertson visited the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve and the Wenlock River.  “This decision vindicates the intensive research we have conducted which clearly shows the environmental significance of the area and the importance of protecting it.” This is a win for Queenslanders, and indeed
all Australians.

Declaring the river as a Wild River means that it will be protected and preserved for future generations. “Steve always said that the Wenlock was the most beautiful place on earth, and now I am so pleased that this spectacular river and its biodiversity will be protected for the future,”  Terri said.

The environmental significance of the springs on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve were also recognised with the Coolibah Springs Complex announced as a Special Feature and given Wild Rivers protection. This decision means that 500m buffer zones will be enforced to help protect the perched bauxite springs on the Reserve and a one kilometre exclusion zone around the Wenlock River “Irrespective of mining and other issues, this was the right decision in regard to the protection of the natural values of the Wenlock catchment,” Terri said.

“The fight still continues to protect the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve from being strip mined. “I would like to say thank you to over 280,000 people who have signed the petition and voiced their support of the protection of the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve so far,” Terri said.

“There is still the possibility that this tribute to Steve could be destroyed, so I encourage all of you to continue the fight with us to Save Steve’s Place and protect this awesome place for our children and future generations.”

Go to: www.savestevesplace.com

Kudos and many thanks to all those involved with this win for rationality, logic and passion. As for the rest of us, get up, stand up!