Western Australia doubles groundwater extraction from Fitzroy River catchment

Western Australia's government plans to more than double groundwater extraction from the Martuwarra Fitzroy River catchment to nearly 76 gigalitres annually, alarming environmentalists. The increase equivalent to 31,000 Olympic swimming pools yearly threatens endangered freshwater sawfish and dry-season refuge pools critical for barramundi and other species. Conservationists warn the plan lacks baseline impact studies and could enable fracking operations.

Summary by Glance · SMH