While reef regulation is a key concern for producers in coastal areas, the possible Wild Rivers declaration of the Georgina, Diamantina and Cooper Creek catchments is causing angst for many graziers in northwestern Queensland.

Last week, producers had a chance to voice their concerns and seek answers at a series of meetings involving AgForce regarding the proposed listing of the Lake Eyre Basin as a wild river.

One AgForce member described the proposed legislation as “putting the whole basin in a time warp”.

Producers remain concerned that the recent reduction in allocations to NRM groups in the Lake Eyre Basin, which resulted in staff lay-offs,suggests the Federal Government does not recognise the area’s environmental benefits.

However, those living and working in the region recognise the need to balance the conservation values of these three catchments with the needs of primary producers and local communities.

Wild Rivers declaration in this area, where rivers spread out for many kilometres, makes the definition of the ‘high preservation area’ very difficult and may affect people in the lower reaches by restricting their current management practices and new practices they use in the future.

This long-term planning is essential – just consider how few producers 50 years ago thought windmills and tanks would ever be replaced with submersible pumps and poly pipelines.

The needs, concerns and goals of the groups impacted by wild rivers – environmentalists, pastoralists, indigenous groups and local government – were on the table at the Remote Area Planning and Development forum in Longreach last week.

It is encouraging to see consensus between all stakeholders on a number of issues – that Wild Rivers may be an economic disabler for the region; the increasing red tape for local government and industry; and the potential restrictions to sustainable development.

There was also combined support on a number of positive aspects – the opportunity for Wild Rivers to enhance the clean, green marketing image of the region; to protect the region from potentially destructive mining activities; and importantly, to maintain the rivers’ natural flows.

It is crucial for all stakeholders to move forward together to ensure the best outcome for all.