Fitzroy River Declaration

Traditional Owners of the Kimberley region of Western Australia are concerned by the extensive development proposals facing the Fitzroy River and its catchment and the potential for cumulative impacts on its unique cultural and environmental values. The unique cultural and environmental values of the Fitzroy River and its catchment are of national and international significance.

The Fitzroy River is a living ancestral being and has a right to life. It must be protected for current and future generations, and managed jointly by the Traditional Owners of the river. Traditional Owners of the Fitzroy catchment agree to work together to:

  1. Action a process for joint PBC decision making on activities in the Fitzroy catchment;

  2. Reach a joint position on fracking in the Fitzroy catchment;

  3. Create a buffer zone for no mining, oil, gas, irrigation and dams in the Fitzroy catchment;

  4. Develop and agree a Management Plan for the entire Fitzroy Catchment, based on traditional and environmental values;

  5. Develop a Fitzroy River Management Body for the Fitzroy Catchment, founded on cultural governance;

  6. Complement these with a joint Indigenous Protected Area over the Fitzroy River;

  7. Engage with shire and state government to communicate concerns and ensure they follow the agreed joint process;

  8. Investigate legal options to support the above, including:

    • Strengthen protections under the EPBC Act National Heritage Listing;

    • Strengthen protections under the Aboriginal Heritage Act;

    • Legislation to protect the Fitzroy catchment and its unique cultural and natural values.

Download the Declaration [ PDF 1.9 MB ]