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Don’t fish in prohibited dam area

Headshot of Elise Van Aken
Elise Van AkenThe Kimberley Echo
The diversion dam on Lake Kununurra controls the flow of water from Lake Argyle into the lower Ord.
Camera IconThe diversion dam on Lake Kununurra controls the flow of water from Lake Argyle into the lower Ord. Credit: Trevor Collens

Water Corporation and the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley have warned Kununurra residents and visitors not to enter restricted areas at the Ord River Diversion Dam.

Access to the Lower Ord at the dam has been banned for decades but a review in 2017 drew widespread criticism from anglers who frequented the popular fishing spot.

Water Corporation North West regional manager Sharon Broad said signage and fencing were in place to prevent access to restricted areas but people were still entering

“People who scale the fence and fish on the banks of the Ord River risk being swept into turbulent water or attacked by a saltwater crocodile, resulting in serious injury or even death,” she said.

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Ms Broad said restricted areas included the entire Ord River Diversion Dam wall and extended 100m upstream and 200m downstream of the dam.

“Sadly, fatalities have occurred in the past, and we do not want any member of our community to put themselves at risk,” he said.

“Living in a fishing destination like Kununurra means there are plenty of fantastic places to fish, including iconic locations like Lake Kununurra and Pentecost River.

“We encourage everyone to venture out and explore the many safe and exciting fishing destinations that Kununurra and the wider East Kimberley offers.”

For more information on boating and fishing in Kununurra visit the Kununurra Visitor’s Centre or visitkununurra.com

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