Dan͟ggu Geikie Gorge Recovery Project
Heavy rainfall in late-December 2022 and early-January 2023 associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie resulted in record flooding of the Fitzroy catchment, and major impacts in Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park.
The river: before and after the flood
![Before the flood](/sites/default/files/styles/main_content_image_large_1200_800/public/2023-12/before_the_flood_0.jpg?itok=RiZ-AZeF)
Before the flood.
![After the flood](/sites/default/files/styles/main_content_image_large_1200_800/public/2023-12/after_the_flood.jpg?itok=ET9Nb0FH)
After the flood.
![Post-flood overlay.](/sites/default/files/styles/main_content_image_large_1200_800/public/2023-12/post-flood_overlay_0.jpg?itok=-Oouw6gB)
Post-flood overlay. The red line in the map above depicts where the river's edge is now.
Impacted sites within the park
There has been a significant loss of cultural sites for Bunuba Dan͟ggu Traditional Owners
Many significant trees were lost as well as the car park, paths, a boat ramp, gazebo shelter and the ranger base. The power station compound, floating jetty and toilet block have also been impacted.
![Ranger base](/sites/default/files/styles/main_content_image_large_1200_800/public/2023-10/structural_damage.jpg?itok=kieP_nn4)
![Damaged visitor car park](/sites/default/files/styles/main_content_image_large_1200_800/public/2023-10/2253147612content_3.jpg?itok=K54tBUjT)
![Submerged road](/sites/default/files/styles/main_content_image_large_1200_800/public/2023-10/danggu_-_post_flood_-_230227_4_0.jpg?itok=1Qxlbk3N)
![Car park covered by sediment and debris from rising flood water](/sites/default/files/styles/main_content_image_large_1200_800/public/2023-10/danggu_-_post_flood_-_230227_5.jpg?itok=Uis5n6f_)
![Sign in carpark depicting height of silt from flood waters](/sites/default/files/styles/main_content_image_large_1200_800/public/2023-10/danggu_-_post_flood_-_230227_27_1.jpg?itok=qzF7h_zE)
![Aerial view of river](/sites/default/files/styles/main_content_image_large_1200_800/public/2023-10/danggu_-_post_flood_230227_2.jpg?itok=W49a3bLk)
Completed works
- Consultation with Traditional Owners, including cultural clearance.
- Damage assessments completed. Scoping and survey of river depth and flood impacts on river behaviour, characteristics, and dynamics.
November 2023: Meetings with Bunuba Traditional Owners to progress rehabilitation and restoration and/or rebuild.
- Visitor risk mitigation
- Bathymetric survey of the river and 3D mapping of the Danggu precinct
- Removal of flood-damaged structures and site rehabilitation
The road ahead
January – November 2024:
- Develop a concept plan based on technical mapping and joint management recommendations.
April 2024 onwards:
- June 2024 onwards: Re-establish park access and reopen the park to day users
- August - September 2024: Progress site cleanup and site rehabilitation. Continue site planning with Traditional Owners and key stakeholders for concept designs of new park facilities and infrastructure.
- August 2025: Build new visitor infrastructure.
Contact the project team
Kimberley Region Headquarters
111 Herbert Street BROOME
PO Box 65 BROOME 6725
Phone (08) 9195 5500
Email broome@dbca.wa.gov.au