Water from the Martuwarra Fitzroy catchment is used for town and community supply, such as drinking water and for existing licensed uses, including livestock. The draft water plan states that no additional surface water will be licensed from the Fitzroy River, and that access to the Alluvial and Devonian Reef aquifers will be restricted because of their ecological and social significance.  

The draft Fitzroy Derby Water plan says groundwater extraction could support future development, including irrigated agriculture. This could include annual or perennial horticulture, broadacre cropping and some smaller community projects.  

Approximately 25 (GL) a year is currently licensed across the catchment area. The draft plan proposes that approximately 50 (GL) would be available for new licenses, including an Aboriginal Water holding representing 50% of that volume. Conservation groups and Traditional Owners have expressed concerns about the proposed level of increased groundwater extraction.  

Geikie Gorge was carved by the Martuwarra Fitzroy River through limestone of the Devonian reef system (an extinct reef from the Devonian period). The Martuwarra Fitzroy River corridor includes an alluvial aquifer, and groundwater in both the alluvial and Devonian Reef aquifers is connected to the river system and helps sustain dry-season pools.