Dear Minister Pastorelli, 

I’d like to highlight that Indigenous leaders from across the Kimberley have united to release the Wuggubun Statement, a powerful vision for a future shaped by genuine partnership and care for Country. Water is central to this, with calls for Traditional Owner knowledge, rights, and authority to be at the heart of water governance. I would like to express my support for this vision and aspirations for water across the Kimberley. 

As the Cook Government is considering the details of the Fitzroy Derby Water Plan right now,  the Wuggubun Statement urges that the 2025 Traditional Owner Working Group Recommendations be adopted in the final plan. 

I was one of more than 50,000 people who made a submission on the draft plan calling for stronger protection of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River. As Minister for Water, I ask you to listen to the people of Western Australia and Indigenous communities in the Kimberley by: 

• Fully implementing the no additional surface water extraction or dams commitment.  
• Significantly limiting groundwater extraction to protect the river and prevent large-scale irrigated agriculture. 
• Establishing strong monitoring, enforcement, and transparency, backed by resources for genuine partnership with Kimberley Traditional Owners. 
• Committing to longer-term water reform and better protections for the Martuwarra Fitzroy River. 

Communities across the Kimberley and beyond have warned against repeating the mistakes of water overallocation and mismanagement seen elsewhere in Australia. The final water plan is an opportunity for the Cook Government to listen, show leadership, and protect this iconic, free-flowing river that is the lifeblood of the region.  

Please work with Traditional Owners to deliver a plan that embeds their knowledge, rights, and aspirations and keeps the Martuwarra flowing for us all. 

Thank you for considering my message.