Wild rivers, wild accusations – wild law in the Cape York wilderness Online publication date: Thu, 31-Jul-2014
by Rebecca Smith
International Journal of Liability and Scientific Enquiry (IJLSE), Vol. 5, No. 1, 2012
Abstract: The contentious Wild Rivers Act 2005 (Qld) was enacted to protect the natural values of Queensland's few remaining wild rivers. The law is remarkably enlightened in that it is consistent with current emerging philosophies of ecosystems as a series of complex and synergistic bioregions, and aims to manage human-based activities within catchments rather than managing the catchments or natural processes instead. A precautionary approach minimises harm from activities that are likely to have adverse effects on poorly understood ecosystems. The Act has at present very limited application, only nine far northern Queensland river systems in all. It has divided indigenous communities, some of whom accuse it of stifling much needed economic development while other indigenous people embrace Wild Rivers as enabling them to continue with their tradition way of life. This paper suggests Wild Rivers is wild law and investigates conflicting knowledge systems impacting upon the enactment of sound resource management legislation.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Liability and Scientific Enquiry (IJLSE):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook