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.

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 committing to long-term and legally binding protection for the river channel, tributaries, and floodplains from Murray-Darling style irrigation and dams.