THE HON TONY BURKE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTURAL AUSTRALIA
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ART
MEMBER FOR WATSON

SENATOR PATRICK DODSON
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS
SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA

SENATOR LOUISE PRATT
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES
SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA 

FRYDENBERG MUST RULE OUT PLAN TO DAM FITZROY RIVER

The ABC has today revealed detailed plans from cotton farmer KIMCO to dam the waters of the Fitzroy River. Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg needs to make clear that such a proposal is clearly unacceptable under Australian environmental law. 

The west Kimberley was added to the National Heritage List in 2011 by the former Federal Labor Government. Its listing heavily relied on the unique values of the Fitzroy River. The damming of the Fitzroy would be irreversible, unacceptable and destructive.

The west Kimberley has some of Australia’s best natural heritage, known for its spectacular scenery, vivid colours and unique biodiversity. The area provides significant geological and fossil evidence of Australia's early history.

The Kimberley region has been occupied, owned and managed by Indigenous people for thousands of years. The land is a source of physical and spiritual well-being for Indigenous people in the Kimberley.

So far Josh Frydenberg has proven he has no interest in protecting the atmosphere or the oceans. Any plans to dam the Fitzroy River are clearly unacceptable and at odds with its National Heritage listing.

The Environment Minister needs to send an unequivocal message that the damming of the Fitzroy will never be permitted.