The State Government is seeking feedback on the future of the Fitzroy River catchment in the Kimberley with today’s release of the Fitzroy River water discussion paper.
The discussion paper, which is open for comment until May 31, 2021, outlines approaches being considered by the State Government to protect the Fitzroy River and to sustainably manage the water resources in the catchment.
The State Government has heard a range of opinions about future development in the catchment and the management of water resources through consultation undertaken in 2018 and 2019.
Outlined in the paper are several key topics and management approaches for more focused discussion and feedback that relate to managing water and development in the Fitzroy River catchment.
It will form the basis of another series of face-to-face discussions with traditional owner groups and stakeholders in the Fitzroy catchment. Previous face-to-face discussions were delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The paper is an important part of the State Government delivering on its commitments to:
- create the Fitzroy River National Park, which will extend the Geikie Gorge National Park along the Fitzroy River to the north and along the Margaret River;
- develop a management plan for the Fitzroy River to ensure the health of the river and provide a basis for sustainable economic development; and
- not allow the Fitzroy River or its tributaries to be dammed and deliver a Fitzroy water allocation plan.
Given it is important to ensure people have time to consider and share their views on the matter of water allocation and use in the Fitzroy, the paper will be open for public comment into the new year until the end of May 2021.
No final decisions have been made in relation to any option or approach proposed in the discussion paper. At the conclusion of this public comment period, the State Government will consider all feedback received and prepare a draft Fitzroy River water allocation plan.
The discussion paper and consultation hub can be found at https://consult.dwer.wa.gov.au/water-policy/managing-water-in-the-fitzroy-river-catchment
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
“DWER has consulted with pastoralists, traditional owners, environmental groups, and other stakeholders about protecting the cultural and environmental values of the river to underpin the development of the water allocation plan.
“Ensuring the Fitzroy River catchment’s water resources are managed and developed in a sustainable manner will be an ongoing and adaptive process and involve government, traditional owners and other stakeholders.
“The discussion paper reflects the range of views we’ve heard by talking to people who live, work and interact with the Fitzroy River catchment, and are committed to its future.
“Our election commitment to no dams on the river is very clear and the most important policy for protecting the river.
As stated by Regional Development and Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“The release of this water discussion paper is a real step forward in continuing discussions on the future direction of this unique and important asset in the Kimberley.
“Community, industry and others will all have the opportunity to provide their views on the role water plays in supporting and diversifying the economy.
“This feedback will also inform the drafting of a Fitzroy River Management Plan, which will identify sustainable economic development pathways and strategies, while protecting the health of the river for future generations.”
