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INFORM-A^CTION

Issue Number 39 - August 2001

Let the Wild Rivers Flow

Much of our present energy is devoted to trying to restore severely degraded river systems. It is important that we also identify river systems that are in good condition and prevent any further degradation or loss of bio-diversity. We need a national system of Heritage River Reserves that allows present levels of usage to continue, but protects them from further development.

Professor Peter Cullen
2001 Environmentalist of the Year

Peter Cullen's words highlight the obvious - that life on this planet cannot survive without water. Nevertheless, we humans continue to abuse our waterways and pollute them without thought for the consequences. The good news is that Australia still has some unspoiled river and water systems that we can protect: These are:

Coopers Creek (Queensland/South Australia)
Paroo River (Queensland/New South Wales)
East Alligator River (Northern Territory)
Fitzroy River (Western Australia)
Clarence River (New South Wales)
Ovens River (Victoria)

It is up to us to do whatever we can, working especially to ensuring their continued protection. The SAO has posters and a video focusing on free-flowing wild rivers. These were produced collaboratively with environmental groups as an education resource. Contact SAO if you wish to obtain posters or to borrow the video.

Some useful web sites:

Australian Conservation Foundation - Campaigns - Rivers and Water
The Wilderness Society - Campaigns - Protecting Wild Rivers
Co-operative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology

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		INFORM-A^CTION Issue Number 39 - August 2001 Let the Wild Rivers Flow Much of our present energy is devoted to trying to restore severely degraded river systems. It is important that we also identify river systems that are in good condition and prevent any further degradation or loss of bio-diversity. We need a national system of Heritage River Reserves that allows present levels of usage to continue, but protects them from further development. Professor Peter Cullen 2001 Environmentalist of the Year Peter Cullen's words highlight the obvious - that life on this planet cannot survive without water. Nevertheless, we humans continue to abuse our waterways and pollute them without thought for the consequences. The good news is that Australia still has some unspoiled river and water systems that we can protect: These are: Coopers Creek (Queensland/South Australia) Paroo River (Queensland/New South Wales) East Alligator River (Northern Territory) Fitzroy River (Western Australia) Clarence River (New South Wales) Ovens River (Victoria) It is up to us to do whatever we can, working especially to ensuring their continued protection. The SAO has posters and a video focusing on free-flowing wild rivers. These were produced collaboratively with environmental groups as an education resource. Contact SAO if you wish to obtain posters or to borrow the video. Some useful web sites: Australian Conservation Foundation - Campaigns - Rivers and Water The Wilderness Society - Campaigns - Protecting Wild Rivers Co-operative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology Next Newsletter Article Newsletter Index