The Martuwarra Fitzroy River is a vital water source and cultural site in Western Australia’s north. Photo credit: Marta Ivancic

The Western Australian Government has released a new plan to manage water in the Fitzroy River and the Derby Peninsula. 

 The draft plan aims to protect the river’s health, while supporting local communities and the pastoral industry.

 The Fitzroy River, also known as the Martuwarra, is one of the most important free-flowing rivers in Australia. 

 This large river system holds great cultural value for Traditional Owners and is home to unique wildlife, including the critically endangered sawfish.

 In a media release regarding the consultation draft, Water and Climate Resilience Minister Don Punch said the plan is a major step for the Kimberley region. 

 He stated the plan gives communities “certainty about how their water resources will be managed” and protects the river for the future. 

 The Minister also thanked Traditional Owners for their help in creating the framework.

 A key part of the plan is the Fitzroy-Derby Aboriginal Water Holding.

This sets aside about 25 gigalitres of groundwater per year for native title holders to support their economic interests.

Martin Pritchard, the executive director of Environs Kimberley, said the river system is vital for the environment. 

 He noted that the river is home to the critically endangered sawfish. 

 “It’s an incredibly important river system and people have been trying to protect it for decades,” Mr Pritchard said.

 He is encouraging everyone to have their say during the public consultation period. 

 He stated that his group is: “encouraging all our members and supporters and the general public to get behind protecting this great Australian river”.

The plan confirms that the Fitzroy River and its tributaries will not be dammed. 

 It also sets new limits on how much groundwater can be taken from local aquifers, like the Wallal and Erskine systems, to prevent problems such as saltwater moving into fresh water supplies.

 The public consultation period is open until the end of June 2026. Local residents can learn more about the plan through the NESP Resilient Landscapes Hub.