History of the fight to protect the Channel Country

1996

Cooper Creek campaign

Graziers, conservationists, and scientists unite to reject plans for new cotton development in the free-flowing Cooper Creek catchment.

2005

Wild Rivers Act passed

The Beattie Labor Government passes Wild Rivers Act to preserve the natural values of intact rivers.

2010

Western Rivers Alliance formed

The Australian Floodplain Association supports the creation of Western Rivers Alliance.

2010

Lake Eyre Basin added to Wild Rivers Act

Amendments to Wild Rivers Act are passed to incorporate Lake Eyre Basin rivers.

2014

Wild Rivers Act repealed

Campbell Newman’s LNP Government repeals the Wild Rivers Act.

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2015

Labor election commitment to protect Channel Country 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk makes pre-election Labor commitment to reinstate protections for the Channel Country.

2017

Labor election commitment to protect Channel Country 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk re-affirms election commitment to protect the Channel Country.

2019

Lake Eyre Basin Traditional Owners’ Alliance formed

The Lake Eyre Basin Traditional Owners’ Alliance – including representatives of 13 Traditional Owner groups from across the Lake Eyre Basin – is formed.

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2020

Science advice to Government recommends banning fracking in Lake Eyre Basin

Independent scientific panel commissioned by the Queensland government recommends a ban on fracking in the environmentally sensitive Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre basin.

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2022

Review shows fracking in Lake Eyre basin to be high cost 

The Pegasus economic review finds expansion of fracking in the Lake Eyre basin would be high cost, and high emissions unconventional gas could rapidly create stranded assets.

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June 2023

Origin surrender production leases

Origin Energy surrender 10 of 11 production leases held in the area, amid concerns about the impact of potential fracking plans on its unique waterways and floodplains.

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June 2023

Consultation on protections

Queensland Government announces public consultation on protection methods for Channel Country region. 22,000 public submissions to Government consultation call for full protection.

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December 2023

Future oil and gas mining in Lake Eyre Basin banned

Premier Steven Miles announced the Queensland Government’s decision to ban future oil and gas mining on the rivers and floodplains. 

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