New Fitzroy River videos!

Share new Fitzroy videos with your local MP!

The Fitzroy River is the last stronghold for critically endangered Freshwater Sawfish, but now it is under threat by proposals to take water from the river for irrigation. We’ve made these videos to highlight the importance of the river to sawfish, and the threats the river faces. Please share with your local MP and on social media to spread the word about why the mighty Fitzroy River needs protection

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Dear [your local MP’s name will be automatically entered],

Yours faithfully,
[Your name will be added automatically]

I’m writing to you about the Fitzroy River, the lifeblood of the Kimberley. The river is National Heritage listed for its outstanding indigenous cultural values. A healthy river supports the livelihoods of thousands of people and also a diverse array of wildlife. It is considered the world’s last stronghold for the critically endangered Freshwater Sawfish.
Numerous statements by experts and Traditional Owners have raised concerns about impacts on the river and called for increased protection. Most recently this included the 2016 Fitzroy River Declaration by Traditional Owners. Also this year, over 100 eminent science experts on the river released the Fitzroy River Statement by calling for increased protection including a buffer zone to prevent irrigation impacting on flow in the river.
At the last election, I welcomed the WA Government’s landmark election commitment to protect the Fitzroy River through a new National Park and Management Plan, and to only support sustainable development. However, I am concerned that recent proposals for irrigation and water extraction projects along the river could undermine this commitment.
For this reason I am sharing the videos below with you that explain the importance of the river to sawfish and how irrigation threatens its fragile balance.
<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC65zr7sKVk&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Please watch 'Last Stronghold’ here</a> to discover how prehistoric sawfish, who have survived since the time of the dinosaurs, rely on a free-flowing and healthy Fitzroy River.
<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow_sgNA6A1w&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Please watch 'Desert River’ here</a> to learn how irrigation can threaten the fragile balance of the river.
As my local MP, will you support establishing a permanent and enforceable buffer zone from water extraction, land clearing and mining along the length of the river to protect its outstanding values and underpin sustainable development?

Read the message you will send

Dear [your local MP’s name will be automatically entered],

I’m writing to you about the Fitzroy River, the lifeblood of the Kimberley. The river is National Heritage listed for its outstanding indigenous cultural values. A healthy river supports the livelihoods of thousands of people and also a diverse array of wildlife. It is considered the world’s last stronghold for the critically endangered Freshwater Sawfish.

Numerous statements by experts and Traditional Owners have raised concerns about impacts on the river and called for increased protection. Most recently this included the 2016 Fitzroy River Declaration by Traditional Owners. Also this year, over 100 eminent science experts on the river released the Fitzroy River Statement by calling for increased protection including a buffer zone to prevent irrigation impacting on flow in the river.

At the last election, I welcomed the WA Government’s landmark election commitment to protect the Fitzroy River through a new National Park and Management Plan, and to only support sustainable development. However, I am concerned that recent proposals for irrigation and water extraction projects along the river could undermine this commitment.

For this reason I am sharing the videos below with you that explain the importance of the river to sawfish and how irrigation threatens its fragile balance.

Please watch 'Last Stronghold’ here to discover how prehistoric sawfish, who have survived since the time of the dinosaurs, rely on a free-flowing and healthy Fitzroy River.

Please watch 'Desert River’ here to learn how irrigation can threaten the fragile balance of the river.

As my local MP, will you support establishing a permanent and enforceable buffer zone from water extraction, land clearing and mining along the length of the river to protect its outstanding values and underpin sustainable development?

Yours faithfully,
[Your name will be automatically added]

WATCH THE SHORT VIDEOS & SPREAD THE MESSAGE!

'Last Stronghold' tells the remarkable story of how the Fitzroy River is considered the last remaining stronghold for Freshwater Sawfish.

Sawfish are prehistoric species that have survived since the time of the dinosaurs but now face extinction.
The Fitzroy River is the last place on earth where sawfish are thriving in abundance.
Recent proposals for industrial irrigation pose a serious threat to the health of the river and its sawfish, which rely on the Fitzroy River remaining free-flowing and healthy.

'Desert River' uses clever animations alongside beautiful imagery to explain the boom-bust and fragile nature of the Fitzroy River.

Life on the river is unpredictable, when it rains, floods bring wetlands to life and replenish the river. Between floods the river often stops flowing and animals hang on in permanent pools fed by underground water.
Industrial irrigation threatens the fragile balance of the river - by disrupting or even drying up of refuge pools.