The National Heritage Listed Fitzroy River is an extraordinary part of our shared natural heritage. The living waters of the river and floodplains support culture, the livelihoods of thousands of people, tourism, fishing, and unique wildlife such as the critically endangered freshwater sawfish.

Developments that take water from the river or its floodplains pose a serious risk to the river and its people by reducing life-giving river flows and adding pollution to the clean water and delicate ecosystems of the river. These sort of developments are not needed. We can build a vibrant and modern economy without taking water from the river. 

At the last election, you promised to protect the river. I call on you to act on this promise by creating a buffer zone that would ensure that no water is taken from the river channels and floodplains in the catchment. A buffer zone covering just 9% of the catchment could protect 90% of the rivers and wetlands from Murray-Darling style irrigation and dams.  

The future of the Fitzroy River and its people, culture and wildlife depends on you keeping your promise to protect this living river.