Early this year, more than 50,000 people called for lasting protection of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River during consultation on the draft Fitzroy-Derby Water Plan.
But the draft plan does not rule out large-scale floodplain harvesting - a loophole that could undermine the Cook Government’s commitment to no further surface water extraction and no dams.
Each wet season, floodwaters spread across the Martuwarra's vast floodplains, filling wetlands, replenishing waterholes and sustaining wildlife, communities and Country.
Floodplain harvesting uses levees, channels and large on-farm storages to capture this water before it returns to the river. We know that big business is pushing to weaken rules and allow more water to be taken. At scale, this would disrupt natural flows and put wetlands, fish and downstream ecosystems at risk.
We are calling on Water Minister Daniel Pastorelli to ensure the final plan:
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Rules out large-scale floodplain harvesting, consistent with the Government's commitment.
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Protects natural flood flows across the river, floodplains, wetlands and estuary.
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Builds genuine partnerships with Traditional Owners, respecting their rights and authority in water decisions.
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WA can avoid the mistakes of the Murray-Darling Basin, where over-allocation and altered flows have caused serious environmental damage. By protecting the whole river system in partnership with Traditional Owners, the Government can safeguard the Martuwarra for generations to come.
The Government is finalising the plan now. Email Minister Pastorelli and call for better protection of the Martuwarra's flows.