Fitzroy River
Ord and Fitzroy Rivers: Fish benefit from natural flooding
Scientists say artificial flooding does not have the same ecological benefits as natural flooding.
They have studied the Fitzroy and Ord Rivers as part of a study of Australian natural and artificial flooding regimes.
They say natural flooding at the Fitzroy allows, for example, fish to feed on the floodplains and gain weight.
However water at the Ord River region stays within channels cut-off from the floodplain, and flooding is at the wrong time of the year to have the same benefits as natural flooding.
Science Network [read this story]
Fitzroy River crocodile incidents
People fishing on the Fitzroy River had two separate encounters with crocodiles last week.
Courtesy DEC
A woman caught a small crocodile on a hand line near Looma, and was pulling it in when a larger croc lunged at her.
Another croc took a pet dog on Saturday.
The Wilderness Society on a proposed coal mine
The Wilderness Society has issued a statement condemning a coal mine proposal for the lower Fitzroy Valley.
“Carrying the coal from the proposed mine to port would be a road transport nightmare, with 50-80 monster road trains every day trying to navigate a 175km stretch of the flood-prone Great Northern Highway, a popular tourist route and the lifeline for local communities in the Fitzroy valley,” the statement says.
“The heavy monsoon rains of the Kimberley make the proposed mine a potential disaster, with a high risk of toxic heavy metals and acid mine drainage leaching into the groundwater and the unspoiled Fitzroy River.”
You can read the statement here:
Fitzroy Valley floods update
DFES warns people in the Fitzroy River catchment to continue to take action against minor flooding.
You can read DFES’ notice with updated flood details here:
Lange’s Crossing: Croc warning sign stolen
Someone has stolen a crocodile warning sign at Lange’s Crossing on the Fitzroy River.
Courtesy DEC
The Department of Parks and Wildlife installed the sign to alert visitors, after reports of an aggressive crocodile at the popular fishing spot last month.
“People who think stealing these signs for a souvenir is just a bit of harmless fun probably don’t realise they are putting the safety of others at risk,” a spokesman said.
DPaW [read this story]
Nyikina Mangala native title claim registered
The Nyikina Mangala native title claim has been registered with the federal court.
The claim area covers much of the lower Fitzroy Valley.
The claimants now have the right to negotiate with developers and companies wishing to explore for minerals and petroleum.
West Kimberley fires
This link shows a satellite image of prescribed burns in the West Kimberley.
PhysOrg [read this story]
Cane toads on the march
Broome is just two wet seasons away from having cane toads, say Kimberley Toad Busters.
Picture: Peter Strain
The group also says toads are just 30 kilometres away from Halls Creek, and will probably be in the town by the end of the wet.
They are expected to reach Derby by next wet season.
The West Australian [read this story]
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