Fitzroy
At nearly 156,000 square kilometres, Fitzroy is the largest region draining into the Great Barrier Reef. The region experiences occasional cyclones and highly variable rainfall and river flows, with prolonged dry periods that are often followed by floods.
The variable rainfall delivers sediments, nutrients and pesticides to the inshore and sometimes offshore portions of the Reef in pulsed flows. Grazing is the dominant land use, with dryland cropping, upland cotton and some mining.
Urban centres such as Rockhampton and Gladstone are located on the coastal strip.
The region includes important areas of remnant and threatened vegetation communities (e.g., Brigalow and native grasslands). Marine habitats include offshore reefs, seagrass and extensive mangroves. Continental islands (such as the Keppels) are important for tourism and the region also supports important commercial and recreational fisheries.
The Regional Natural Resource Management body, the Fitzroy Basin Association, and industry partners are working with landholders to reduce sediments, nutrients and pesticides flowing to the Great Barrier Reef.
The catchment profiles provide information about each area including size and rainfall, land use, priorities for water quality improvement and sources of pollutants.
- Last updated
- 5 August 2026