Under the Eastern Cape York Water Quality Improvement Plan one of the intended outcomes was to produce a set of guidelines that addresses Aquatic Ecosystem Protection for both the fresh and estuarine surface water bodies of the region. This Appendix (Appendix 9) addresses the need for those guidelines.
This risk assessment was developed to help gain scientifically accurate information regarding the land-based pollutants which pose the biggest threat to coral reefs and sea grass beds in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR).
This appendix provides a practical and economic assessment of various natural resource management methods developed to improve grazing practices on the Cape.
The importance of the natural environment can be expresssed in terms of its values: ecologoical, socio-cultural, and economic. Assigning monetary value to goods and services provided by ecosystems can be a great way ensure that the environment is carefully considered during regional planning processes.
Cape York offers many great camping locations. There are campgrounds in national parks and Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land (CYPAL) parks, Council-controlled areas, Aboriginal Land Trusts and there are some privately-owned campsites.
Careful rubbish disposal is crucial in Cape York Peninsula. Mosquitoes, fruit flies, and plant and animal diseases can enter the region from Papua New Guinea and Asia. Rubbish increases the risk of these affecting public health, agriculture and the local economy.
When you’ve got to go, go thoughtfully. Increasing cases of gastroenteritis are being reported in high-use areas of Australia. It's often caused by exposure to human waste, and has unpleasant symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting. Avoid getting or spreading ‘gastro’ by observing these guidelines.
Personal care products, including soaps, detergents and toothpaste, are harmful to fish and other aquatic life. Even biodegradable products can cause harm.
Most of the Cape's roads are unsealed. Driving on them contributes to soil erosion which causes damage to the environment, farming land, waterways, infrastructure and cultural heritage.
The coasts, rivers and waterways of Cape York Peninsula are great places to go boating. There are many things you can do to ensure your safety, and minimise your impact on the environment.