Where is the Martuwarra Fitzroy River, and what makes it so special? Who are the Traditional Owners of the Martuwarra Fitzroy catchment? Who lives around the river, and why is it significant? Why is it important to protect the whole Martuwarra Fitzroy catchment, not just the river channel? Why are flood and drought so important in the Martuwarra Fitzroy River system? Why is groundwater so important to the Martuwarra Fitzroy River? How much surface water and groundwater does the river need to stay healthy? Who takes water from the river and its aquifers, and why? Who controls or manages the catchment area and its water resources? What is the cultural significance of the Martuwarra for Traditional Owners?

Why is groundwater so important to the Martuwarra Fitzroy River?

Groundwater is important because it helps sustain the Martuwarra Fitzroy when surface flows are low and stop during the dry season (from May to October) each year.

Watch: Desert River. The boom-bust life of the Martuwarra Fitzroy

Groundwater can help maintain pools, wetlands and other dry-season refuges that fish and other animals rely on. It also supports groundwater-dependent ecosystems and can influence water availability for vegetation. In a river system with seasonal extremes, groundwater provides an important source of resilience, especially during the long dry season. 

A freshwater sawfish in shallow water

Groundwater creates refuges in the Martuwarra Fitzroy for fish like the endangered freshwater sawfish.
Image credit: Dave Morgan

The WA Government is accepting public submissions until June 30th on its draft water plan that will shape the future of the Martuwarra for generations.

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