SIGN THE PETITION TO PROTECT THE FITZROY RIVER
Irrigation proposals threaten the Fitzroy, the life-blood of the Kimberley. Sign the petition in support of protecting the River!
Read the Petition
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.
Why the Fitzroy is special
The Fitzroy River is an extraordinary part of our shared natural heritage and is home to rare and unique wildlife such as the critically endangered freshwater sawfish.
The Nationally Heritage Listed river provides water and livelihoods for thousands of people and is a renowned destination for tourists and fishers.
The clean and fresh water from the Fitzroy River also supports the coral reefs, mangrove forests, pearling and fishing along the Kimberley coast, the world’s most pristine tropical coastline.
Why the River needs protection
Murray-Darling style irrigation proposals that pump water from the Fitzroy River channel, tributaries or floodplains would reduce and redirect water flows and increase pollution. Establishing a new irrigation industry on the Fitzroy River would create an unacceptable risk to culture, community livelihoods, wildlife, wetlands and fishing.
Traditional Owners of the Kimberley area have repeatedly made clear their support for long-term protections for the Fitzroy River; in the 2011 National Heritage Listing, 2016 Fitzroy River declaration, and the 2018 Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council.
The way to protect the Fitzroy's flows is by creating a buffer zone against irrigation, dams and mining. A buffer zone covering just 9% of the catchment could protect 90% of the river's channels and wetlands.
