As public consultation closes on the WA Government’s draft Fitzroy–Derby water plan, the Kimberley: Like Nowhere Else alliance says the Government has a clear opportunity to deliver a stronger final plan that properly protects the Martuwarra Fitzroy River for generations.

More than 50,000 people have called on the Cook Government to strengthen the plan, reflecting strong public support for lasting protection of one of Australia’s last great free-flowing rivers.

The Martuwarra is the lifeblood of the Kimberley, sustaining culture, communities, wildlife, fishing and the Kimberley coast. It is National Heritage listed for outstanding Indigenous cultural values and is one of the last strongholds for the critically endangered freshwater sawfish.

Martin Pritchard from Environs Kimberley said the close of consultation gives the Cook Government a chance to build on its commitments and deliver a plan the Kimberley can be proud of.

“More than 50,000 people have spoken up for the Martuwarra, sending a powerful message of support for stronger protection and a clear opportunity for the Government to get this right,” Mr Pritchard said.

“A stronger final plan can protect this living river while giving communities, Traditional Owners and decision-makers the certainty they need.

“The Government has already committed to no new dams and no further surface water extraction. The next step is to lock those commitments into enforceable protections, backed by strong science, transparent monitoring and real accountability.”

The alliance says the final plan can be strengthened by better protecting groundwater, which feeds permanent pools, springs and wetlands during the long dry season.

Mitch Hart, WA Manager for The Pew Charitable Trusts, said the final plan is an opportunity to set a new benchmark for careful, science-based catchment level planning  in northern Australia.

“Groundwater is what keeps the Martuwarra alive through the dry season. A stronger plan would recognise the deep connection between groundwater, river flows, permanent pools, springs, wetlands and the Kimberley coast,” Mr Hart said.

“The final plan can give everyone confidence by getting the basics right: strong limits, independent science, public reporting, properly resourced compliance and Traditional Owner leadership.”

The alliance says the plan should adopt recommendations developed through the Kimberley Traditional Owner Working Group, including stronger governance and meaningful authority for Traditional Owners in decisions that affect Country, culture and future generations.

Notes for editors:

• The draft Fitzroy–Derby Water Resources Management Plan has been open for public consultation from 1 April to 30 June 2026.
  • 50,000 people took part in the consultation.
  • WA recorded the highest total participation of any state or territory, with over 10,300 submissions.
  • More than 1,300 Kimberley residents made a submission, representing over 12% of the region’s voting population.
• The Martuwarra Fitzroy River stretches approximately 733 kilometres through the Kimberley to King Sound.
• The river and floodplain are National Heritage listed for outstanding Indigenous cultural values, and supports nationally and globally significant biodiversity, including critically endangered freshwater sawfish, barramundi, cherabin, wetlands, springs and floodplain ecosystems.
• The alliance says the final plan can be strengthened by:
  • locking in no new dams and no additional surface water extraction, including banning floodplain harvesting;
  • strong enforceable caps that significantly limit groundwater extraction;
  • embedding Traditional Owner leadership in governance, monitoring and adaptive management;
  • requiring transparent water accounting, public reporting, independent science and strong compliance; and
  • recognising First Nations water interests, climate risk and environmental sustainability.